Next StayPADMA RESORT UBUD

SIX SENSES LAAMU

Next DestinationBANDUNG

TOKYO

Next IslandRAJA AMPAT ISLAND

MALDIVES

T R O P I C A L I F E . N E TMAY - AUG 2016

BEST: AREAS WITH GORGEOUS BEACHES AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA

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On the coverPhuket, Thailand

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERRetno Wulandari

Henrych ChrystyanClif Pontororing

Senior photographerGus Dharma

photographerAsfrandi Mudianto

RifqiPrimaldi Godjali

head officeJl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 73,

Kedonganan, Bali 80361Phone: +62 361 8957 791

Branch officeSurabaya | Yogyakarta

E-mail: info@mixmedia.co.idwww.tropicalife.net

www.mixmedia.co.id

digital DEPARTMENT head of digital Sanjaya Margianta

Digital specialistPrasyudyoMeynar Audito

PUBLISHEROlaf Purvis

managing editorYerina Margia

Senior EDITORBilly Bagus

EDITORStephania Shakila CorneliaEnindya Leony Zuchraya

Dinda Nata Melia

CONTRIBUTORSHenry SnowdenCristy Elmendorp

Delia Kirana

managing directorOlaf Purvis

act general managerYerina Margia

regional headWoro Agustin

AREA MANAGERDian YustikariniRully Hasbi

financeNik Purnama DewiGilang Delima

operationImam FahmuddinWayan Vena IrawanAlit SukadanaDidik Artana

sales department

sales managerNasrul Jihadan

account executiveIqbal Febian TirtowigunoErma Dwi KartikaStella Maris

Published by

MAY - AUG 2016

FROM MY DESK

It is mid year already and some of us have a summer bucket list of the places that we want to visit for our holidays. In this edition we present more of the ultimate holiday destinations around Asia, spots that will guarantee unforgettable holiday moments.

Sun seekers should check out ‘next island’ with its range of alluring options of area to visit this coming summer. If planning to holiday in Bali, we suggest an exploration of Tabanan, this is a regency with a lot to offer.

A range of other places can be found in the ‘next destination’ section. These include location to where AirAsia has many flights both within Indonesia and abroad. Not only we feature Bandung and Yogyakarta but also Singapore, Penang, Bangkok, and Tokyo. Some tantalizing choices are to be found here.

Our ‘five best’ section is suggested for those who want a tropical, breezy atmosphere beneath the sun.

We have of course presented more of the never-ending range of exciting dining venues where culinary excellence, wonderful views and unbeatable ambiance are the draw cards for these restaurants. For example, Sangsaka offers delectable Indonesian dishes, Noosa is the place for mouth-watering French dishes and one can enjoy an Italian gastronomic experience at Settimo Cielo.

Last but not least are our spa options for travellers who hanker for pampering treatments in plush surrounds. Featured here are So Spa at Sofitel, Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort and Spa at The Bvlgary Resort Bali.

I hope you enjoy this edition, stay inspired!

Olaf Purvisolaf@mixmedia.co.id

one of the prob-lems face in selecting holiday destination is the o ve r whe lm ing choice at one fi-

ngertips. Places to stay, good restau-rants, attentive service, access to nature and scenery as well as point of interest are all standard prerequisites for a suc-cessful holiday. Of course accommoda-tion is one of the most essential parts in having a fine vacation. In these days of modernity, high tech facilities are obviously expected if not always required. However, most of the thrill of getting away on a well-earned holiday to foreign parts is the feeling that you are really in a different part of the world. I don’t want to travel overseas to end up in a room, albeit a luxury room, that I can find close to my own place of residence. I think, hotel or resort design should be influenced by the culture of its environment or at least the property uti-lizes some elements of the traditional style to its architecture or interior. In this edition, we feature some exciting resort destinations that really do bring their local culture into play for visitors. The Reef on Gili Meno blends perfectly with nature while offering all the comfort and amenities one expects.

Pandawa Cliff Estate with its clever Balinese design features and tropical gardens has incorporated modern facilities and comfort with all this. The “5 Best Beach Getaway” presents some truly remarkable destinations of attractive scenic environments. Destina-tion choices here offer some unforgettable holiday experiences. As we all aware Bali has become a holi-day destination that has now reached new heights with its culinary choices. Restau-rants for all tastes flourish here. Style, presentation and just good food have brought Bali to the attention of world gourmets. Featured in this issue are Cut Catch Cucina at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Kayuputi at St. Regis Bali Resort, Locavore and Urchin Spas are also highlighted in this issue including The Spa at Bulgari Hotels & Resorts for an experience of pure pamper. Enjoy this edition, travel safe and have a happy holiday!

Olaf Purvisolaf@mixmedia.co.id

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EDITOR’S NOTE

TROPICALIFE.NET | SEP / DEC 2014

From My Desk

publisher’s note

TropicaLife.net28

Next Stay

Next Island

38Situated in the peaceful Puhu village, Padma Resort Ubud boasts a total of 149 exciting collection of rooms and suites showcasing panoramic river valley and treetop views,

PADMA RESORT UBUD

TRADERS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR BY SHANGRI-LA

Journey

66

70

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An island located in the Andaman Sea off Southern Thailand, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island which consists of unbeatable collection silky soft and white palm-lined beaches. A hundred kilometres further, another paradise island calls Krabi lies in wait. Read more of our journey through these impeccable tropical beauty at the edition’s ‘Journey’ section.

Being one of the most underrated yet popular tourism destinations in Bali, Tabanan represents the island’s verdant countryside in which lies many historical and ancient sites worth visiting.

PHUKET, KRABI

TABANANLocated just across the majestic Petronas twin tower, the hotel offers direct covered access to some of the city’s most sought out destinations.

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table contentof

Five Best 52Southeast Asia is blessed with some of the

best beaches in the world. Here we provide

you with a list of 5 best to visit ...

100Unwind

Sat on a high cliff with wonderful views overlooking the vast Indian Ocean at Bvlgari Resort Bali, the Bvlgari Spa is a perfect place to take luxurious spa experience on the island of God.

THE BVLGARI RESORT BALI

Next Destination

80BANDUNG

90TOKYO

Dabbled both as ‘the city of Shogun and Sci-Fi’, Tokyo differs themselves from any other major living space on earth.

Almost completely surrounded by fertile highlands of orchards and green plantations, Bandung’s hinterland has as much to offer as the city itself.

92SpiceNOOSA RESTAURANT

Located at Kedonganan area of Jimbaran, Noosa restaurant is one of the latest additions in Bali’s culinary scene.

Gallery104

In between his daily activity as a government worker Sugeng Donorahmanto always finds the chance to do his passion in photography. Catch the insight of the 3rd best Tropical Life Photo Contest Winner on this edition ‘Gallery’ section.

SUGENG DONORAHMANTO

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If you are one of those culinary enthu-

siasts seeking for a distinctive, extraor-

dinary dining experience, Sheraton

Bali Kuta Resort prepped something to

catch your attention; enter ‘The Kitchen

Table’ a unique and innovative culinary

program where you can enjoy the food

right from it ‘source’. Set on the spacious

kitchen of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, The

Kitchen Table invites you to dine directly

inside one of the conveniently decorated

kitchen room, surrounded by attentive

chef and kitchen staffs who will prepare

the food fresh to your table. The dining

includes 5-meal courses of Italian inspired goodness, each paired with a glass of luscious wine.

Complementary consist of hot, fresh baked bread to delicious truffle filled with peanut butter and

chocolate cream. This lifetime worth of experience could cater your special celebration, up to 10

people per session, from birthday to family dinner.

AirAsia has just signed an agreement with Mirus Aircraft Seating Ltd to be the launch customer for the aircraft seating

manufacturer’s new Hawk slimline economy seat. They have also selected Mirus to provide the Hawk for its Airbus A320neo

fleet, upon regulatory approval. With a fully composite frame and utilize fewer moving parts, the Hawk weights 40 percent

lighter than conventional seats. The seat has been designed to deliver significant cabin space and weight savings while

maintaining passenger comfort. The seats will be retrofitted on all existing and new Airbus A320 aircraft. The announcement

and official signing took place at the Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) in Hamburg, Germany, where Mirus is a first-time exhibitor.

glance

‘KITCHEN TABLE’ DINING EXPERIENCE AT SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT

NEW AND INNOVATIVE SEATS FOR AIRASIA

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Formerly known as The Traders Singapore, Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore has undergone million dollars makeover project and

now reopens themselves for leisure and business travelers alike. The fresh and contemporary hotel now reflects to a modern

functional design concept to fulfill the need of modern travelers. Some of the key highlights of the hotel including entirely

revamped contemporary guest rooms, fresh take on all-day dining, and the innovative ‘Heart Map’ where team members and

guests alike are encouraged to share their favorite tips and recommendations on the hand-drawn map. Entrepreneurship is

actively encouraged and the story of local creativity and products are part of the hotel’s brand identity. Thus, the hotel team

goes to great lengths to curate and nurture a group of Singapore artisans to contribute to the fabric of hotel. For travelers who

appreciate the ingenious details done well, Hotel Jen Tanglin offers a lot of value to cherish– from stylish and comfy rooms,

enthusiastic and upbeat staff, convenience and accessibility, all delivered fuss free.

HAUTE COUTURE BRUNCH BUFFET AT SOFITEL BALI NUSA DUA BEACH RESORTThe signature dining venue at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach

Resort, Cut Catch Cucina (CCC) brings brunches to an

even higher level with chic and irresistible weekend buffet

extravaganzas. Coveted for its world-renowned buffets and

gaining recognition for offering some of the ‘best brunches

in the world’; CCC debuted its latest buffet brunch program

in March 2016. The Weekend Chic Brunch is available every

weekend at CCC from 11:00 to 15:00, welcoming all to

experience a whole new style of weekend brunching with

this first-of-a-kind haute couture buffet. Feast your eyes

and taste buds upon selections that include cuts from the

cold bar and charcuteries, wholesome roasts and grills,

pastas and seafood, including some new selections of the

iconic CCC ‘gueridon’ menu. The ‘chic’ aspect of the brunch

buffets are embodied in the fashionable food displays and

stylishly outfitted staff that are always glade to serve.

HOTEL JEN TANGLIN SINGAPORE OFFICIALLY REOPENS

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Strategically located in the premier

resort area of Nusa Dua, this five star

Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Convention

(BNDHC) is linked to the world-

class Bali Nusa Convention Centre

(BNDCC) an ultimate complex for

event delegates and participants.

It is also an ideal choice for

those wanting a five star milieu

within an environment of white

sandy beaches and the peaceful

surrounds of the Nusa Dua area.

Relax in luxury and enjoy the unique

combination of Balinese charm

and traditional services that make

trips to Bali a truly memorable

experience.

Here there are a total of 96 luxurious rooms and suites that include 30 Deluxe Rooms, 48 Premiere Rooms, 6 Deluxe Suites,

8 Premiere Suites, 3 Executive Suites and 1 Presidential Suite. The hotel also boasts an international restaurant, lobby lounge,

swimming pool and spa & fitness centre. BNDHC offers free Wi-Fi Internet access along with its five star service. A free shuttle

service to local shops runs throughout the day.

glance

BALI NUSA DUA HOTEL & CONVENTIONEVERY EVENT - A FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE

‘PEOPLE BEHIND THE PEARL’: AN EXQUISITE ART EXHIBITION BY PULLMAN BALI LEGIAN NIRWANA

The chic and trendy Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana demonstrate their attention to

and support for Indonesian art by launching another of its Pullman Exhibition

series, this time by showcasing the natural beauty of Indonesian pearls. Entitled

“The People behind the Pearls”, the art exhibition feature the stunning creations

of ATLAS Pearls as well as an inspiring insight into the lives of the women who

created them. At the North Bali pearl farm, pearls have a very special and unique

connection to women. The job of a pearl technician is one requiring a great deal

of delicate and gentle technique. For this reason, 100 per cent of ATLAS Pearls’

technicians are women; a remarkable fact given the traditional male dominance

of the industry as a whole. ATLAS shares a special relationship with the women

who harvest their pearls and the talented results of this relationship was

apparent at Pullman Bali Legian from the 17th of March to 15th of May 2016.

TropicaLife.net34

The world’s luxury champagne brand Moët & Chandon are teasing all Indonesian champagne lovers with this summer’s Moët

Ice Impérial served over ice. This is the latest addition to the Moët & Chandon range. The launching party was held at Woobar

of the W Retreat & Spa Bali where VIPs and the island’s crème-de-la-crème of society were welcomed to a chic-themed

party in the glow of a spectacular spectacular sunset. Upon arrival guests were served with Moët Ice Impérial over ice in large

cabernet-style glasses to enhance the crisp freshness and fruity aromas exuded by the champagne. Kevin Tong, the Chief

Representative of Moët Hennessy Asia Pacific explained that the sunny characteristic of Moët Ice Impérial works perfectly

with Indonesia’s climate. Packaged in luxurious white lacquered bottles with a black tie on the gold and silver label, Packaged

in luxurious white lacquered bottles with a black tie on the gold and silver label, Moët Ice Impérial is the world’s first-ever

champagne specifically created to be enjoyed over ice.

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Dear lovers who just planned (or eventually

will) plan to ‘tie the knot’, InterContinental Bali

Resort embrace you to do so in their exciting

new complete wedding package; Wiwaha Exotic

Wedding. Taking its name from the Balinese

word for marriage, the package is designed

for weddings of up to 40 guests which can be

customized to suit your needs and will consist

of everything from preparation day to romantic

honeymoon dinner coordinated by talented

and passionate organizer provided by the hotel.

Choose between romantic garden or beachside

venue to commence your once-in-a-lifetime

moment, with the spectacular view of sunset

over Jimbaran Bay. After all is said and done,

enjoy your newlywed moment in glamorous

serenity in your private Club InterContinental

room for three-night honeymoon stay included in the package. During your stay, you can enjoy unlimited visits to Club

InterContinental Lounge, which is an elegantly appointed and refined sanctuary of social interaction and light fine-dining

refreshments, operating 24 hours.

YOUR ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MOMENT AT INTERCONTINENTAL BALI RESORT

THE LAUNCHING OF MOËT ICE IMPÉRIAL ON THE ISLAND OF BALI

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glance

Strategically located in the premier

resort area of Nusa Dua, this five star

Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Convention

(BNDHC) is linked to the world-

class Bali Nusa Convention Centre

(BNDCC) an ultimate complex for

event delegates and participants.

It is also an ideal choice for

those wanting a five star milieu

within an environment of white

sandy beaches and the peaceful

surrounds of the Nusa Dua area.

Relax in luxury and enjoy the unique

combination of Balinese charm

and traditional services that make

trips to Bali a truly memorable

experience.

Here there are a total of 96 luxurious rooms and suites that include 30 Deluxe Rooms, 48 Premiere Rooms, 6 Deluxe Suites,

8 Premiere Suites, 3 Executive Suites and 1 Presidential Suite. The hotel also boasts an international restaurant, lobby lounge,

swimming pool and spa & fitness centre. BNDHC offers free Wi-Fi Internet access along with its five star service. A free shuttle

service to local shops runs throughout the day.

BALI NUSA DUA HOTEL & CONVENTIONEVERY EVENT - A FIVE STAR EXPERIENCE

‘PEOPLE BEHIND THE PEARL’: AN EXQUISITE ART EXHIBITION BY PULLMAN BALI LEGIAN NIRWANA

The chic and trendy Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana demonstrated their attention

to and support for Indonesian art by launching another of its Pullman Exhibition

series, this time by showcasing the natural beauty of Indonesian pearls. Entitled

“The People behind the Pearls”, the art exhibition featured the stunning

creations of ATLAS Pearls as well as an inspiring insight into the lives of the

women who created them. At the North Bali pearl farm, pearls have a very

special and unique connection to women. The job of a pearl technician is one

requiring a great deal of delicate and gentle technique. For this reason, 100

per cent of ATLAS Pearls’ technicians are women; a remarkable fact given the

traditional male dominance of the industry as a whole. ATLAS shares a special

relationship with the women who harvest their pearls and the talented results of

this relationship was featured at Pullman Bali Legian from the 17th of March to

15th of May 2016.

37TropicaLife.net

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Looking for the perfect secluded retreat

within the enchanting ambience of

Ubud one should search no further

than the Padma Resort Ubud. This is

an unapologetic recommendation. As

the latest of the Padma Hospitality

resorts this one features all of the best

hospitality facilities one would expect

from a prominent five-star brand. The

expansive resort is situated in an 11

hectare compound and offers discerning

travellers a rare opportunity to experience

contemporary Balinese architecture in an

unparalleled natural setting.

Situated in the peaceful Puhu village,

Padma Resort Ubud boasts an exciting

collection of 149 rooms and suites that

showcase panoramic river valley and

treetop views, artisan-crafted furnishings,

hand-carved wood detailing, state-of-the-

art private balconies and spa-inspired en-

suite bathrooms. Generous bedrooms and

living areas provide maximum comfort

and utmost flexibility to accommodate

wide variety of travellers, ranging from

honeymooners to families.

To ensure guests have a memorable

experience here, Padma Resort Ubud also

features an array of in-house facilities,

such as Padma Spa—a sophisticated

sanctuary surrounded by gardens

and water features to relax and enjoy

satisfying body treatment.

For culinary seekers, The Puhu Restaurant

& Lounge located on the top floor of the

resort showcases an international menu of

tantalizing dishes including Indonesian,

Asian and European specialties. To

accommodate personalized corporate

events, the resort provides a custom

designed meeting room and ballroom

wing that can hold up to 80 people.

A Blissful ‘Restreat’ at PADMA RESORT UBUD

OCCUPYING THE SIDE OF A VERDANT GREEN VALLEY AND OVERLOOKING ENCHANTING BAMBOO FORESTS, PADMA RESORT UBUD IS A FIVE-STAR LAVISH LODGING SET IN NORTHERN BALI’S CELEBRATED CENTRE OF CULTURE. IT HIGHLIGHTS ALL AMENITIES AND FACILITIES OFFERED BY THE RENOWNED PADMA HOSPITALITY BRAND, INCLUDING AN 89-METRE INFINITY SWIMMING POOL, SIGNATURE WORLD-CLASS DINING VENUES AND STUNNING VISTA FROM EACH AND EVERY ROOM.

Banjar Carik, Desa Puhu, Payangan, UbudTel. +62 361 301 111www.padmaresortubud.com

next stay

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Set in one of the island’s most

anticipated natural destinations,

Komaneka at Bisma is about grand

spaces, luxurious interiors, and a heart-

lifting panorama. Tropical rainforest

surrounds the parameter of this

tranquil villa facility creating a majestic

aspect as the valley slopes to the river

below.

Guest can choose from a choice of five

Komaneka at Bisma lodging types.

These are the Two Bedroom Pool Villa,

Family Duplex Pool Villa, One Bedroom

Pool Villa, Family Suite and Bisma

Suite. All suites and villas offer a direct

view of the river valley, rice terraces,

coconut groves and tropical rainforest.

The Suite Rooms feature broad

balconies and beautifully appointed

living spaces. One Bedroom Pool Villa

is a definite choice for honeymooners

looking for intimate, secluded space

with their very own 8-meter lap pool.

Two-bedroom Pool Villas are ideal for

families or small groups due to their

generous size and extensive amenities.

At the northern end of the property

is the extra private 3-bedroom Bisma

Residence Suite consisting of three

freestanding pavilions constructed with

built-in glass walls to provide a graceful

rolling view of treetop canopy.

This exclusive getaway resort,

Komaneka at Bisma, also provides

guests with several in-house facilities

including the Seneng Kitchen

Restaurant providing both International

and Indonesian fine dining of a guest

spoiling nature and the Wana jiwa Spa

treatment centre where guests can

enjoy a range of pampering Indonesian

beauty and massage treatments.

NESTLED INTO THE SIDE OF THE CAMPUHAN RIVER VALLEY AND WITH BREATHTAKING SCENIC VIEWS OF SLOPING RICE FIELDS, FOREST AND COCONUT GROVES, KOMANEKA AT BISMA IS A LUXURIOUS RESORT DESIGNED AS A SOPHISTICATED AND CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE DESTINATION THAT ALLOWS GUESTS TO FEEL ‘AT HOME’ IN ITS LUSH NATURAL SURROUNDS.

Jl. Bisma, Ubud, GianyarTel. +62 361 971 933bisma.komaneka.com

Relax In Nature’s Grace at KOMANEKA at BISMA

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Set amidst a verdant scenery and

surrounded by palettes of mystical

mountains, SANAK Retreat in North

Bali is a true testament to a real and

nurturing haven, one that has been

handpicked with humanity in mind. As

a current member of Secret Retreats; a

collection of small charming boutique

hotels throughout Asia, SANAK Retreat

welcomes guests to an unsullied getaway

of grace and tranquillity.

There is an exquisite story behind the

birth of SANAK which translates to

‘Kindred/ Kinfolk- one’s family’ making

a stay here a truly special experience.

The story of the development of SANAK

Retreat began as the French founders

met and spent time with a local

Balinese family back in 2011. Impressed

by their hospitality, the French then

decided to buy some land in the village

of Kayuputih near the hill station of

Munduk, and make the head of that

Balinese family, Pak Gusti, the co-owner

of the boutique retreat.

There are 11 spacious wooden bungalows

featured here, all with their own private

terrace or balcony overlooking a pool

and a beautiful tropical landscape.

There are three main room types here

at SANAK Retreat that range from

one-bedroom bungalows, two-bedrooms

bungalows and three-bedroom villas. All

units boast the wooden-based interiors

that are synonymous with Indonesian

style and culture. Blended with this is a

full compliment of luxury amenities.

SURROUNDED BY PADDY FIELDS AND SCENIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS, THE VILLAGE OF KAYUPUTIH MUNDUK IN THE NORTH OF BALI IS HOME TO SANAK RETREAT. THE RETREAT IS A FASCINATING GETAWAY FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT VACATION DESTINATION. BUILT WITH A PASSION TO GIVE SOMETHING BACK TO THE ISLAND, THIS TASTEFULLY DESIGNED AND PRIVATE RETREAT IN THE MIDDLE OF NORTHERN BALI SEAMLESSLY BLENDS WITH ITS VERDANT ENVIRONS. HERE GUESTS GET TO MEET BALINESE NATURE FIRST HAND.

Banjar Dinas Menagung, Desa Kayuputih, Buleleng, SingarajaTel. +62 811 397 758www.secret-collections.com/sanak

Sanak Retreat: The Kindred’s Slumber

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Featuring decks that stretch over

an agricultural panorama and villas

with private pools overlooking

lovely aspects, Wapa di Ume brings

a level of sophistication to its rural

surrounds. Here top-class facilities

and exceptional service treat guests to

a splendid staying experience.

This oasis of tranquillity set in the

environs of a Balinese traditional

village boasts glorious rice fields as

a centrepiece. The original 18 units

of the resort have been carefully

constructed to take full advantage

of their surrounds. A further 15

villas have been built on the banks

of an idyllic river. All rooms feature

complete facilities and amenities

that include comfortable beds with

mosquito nets, air conditioning as

well as fan cooling, personal amenities

such as slippers, bathrobes, hair dryer,

flash light, toiletries and sunken baths

with hot and cold showers. The resort

takes a traditional approach to the

peace and quiet of its guests and has

eliminated radios and televisions from

the villas.

Wapa di Ume provides guest activities

including yoga lessons, rice fields

walking tours, open-air theatre and

Balinese cooking lessons. The resort

has two restaurants; Mr Wayan,

Balinese Cuisine and Wapa Restauant,

serving authentic Balinese and

Indonesian cuisine, and a Floating

Bale for a more intimate dinner

moment with loved ones.

Enjoy The Oasis of Peace at WAPA DI UME RESORT & SPA

LOCATED ON A VERDANT SPACE IN BENTUYUNG VILLAGE, JUST 5 MINUTES FROM THE CENTRE OF UBUD, WAPA DI UME RESORT & SPA IS A BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION THAT TREATS ITS GUESTS TO AN INTIMATE GETAWAY VACATION WITHIN AN ENVELOPE OF NATURE’S GREENERY.

Jalan Suweta, Desa Bentuyung Ubud Tel. +62 361 973 178www.wapadiume.com

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PERFECTLY SITUATED IN THE HEART OF KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE (KLCC) TRADERS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR BY SHANGRI-LA IS ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE FIVE-STAR ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF MALAYSIA. IT AIMS TO CATERS BOTH BUSINESS AND LEISURE TRAVELERS ALIKE WITH JET-SET FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE SKYBAR WHERE GUEST CAN GAZE UPON THE BREATHTAKING PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE CITY’S IMMACULATE SKYLINE

Staycation with a View at TRADERS HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR BY SHANGRI-LA

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Instead of hiding away from the hustle

and bustle of big city daily atmosphere,

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by

Shangri-La fully embrace the festivity.

Located just across the majestic

Petronas Twin Tower, the hotel offers

direct covered access to some of the

city’s most sought out destinations;

including the Kuala Lumpur

Convention Centre (KLCC) and is

within walking distance of Suria KLCC

Shopping Mall, the Bukit Bintang

shopping district and local tourist

attractions, which are all surrounded

by gazillions restaurants, bars, clubs

and cafes.

There are a total of 571 guestrooms

in Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur by

Shangri-la, all boasts simple decor

and spacious interior with delightful

contemporary design, especially

hidden lights which dimly glows as the

evening falls and aesthetically enhance

the whole room’s ambience. Shangri-

La, the parent company of Traders

hotel, conceived the brand as service-

oriented business hotels, so the rooms

are equipped with practical amenities

such as international electrical outlets,

big workstations, free Wi-Fi and free

suit pressing.

On my recent business trip to KL, I

chose to stay at the room with full-

fronts views of the famous KLCC

Park and the Petronas Twin Towers.

The room is spacious and perfectly

designed with minimalist style yet

comfortable, complete with plush

amenities. Breakfast is provided at

the renowned Gobo Chit Chat at level

5 serving a wide variety of delicious

breakfast dishes of Asian and western

fare.

During your stay, you must take time

to visit their famous SkyBar. Perched

on the top most floor of the hotel

(33rd, mind you), this venue has been

a perennial favorite among KL’s party

goers. The venue re-emerges with

two gleaming new bars, enhanced

seating area, and culinary bar for food

preparation. The signature 26m-long

pool on the center of the venue

remains untouched to act as a blue

oasis in the midst of polished glass,

steel fittings and solid concrete jungle.

Come after sunset—around 6pm local

time, to enjoy an utmost calmness in

the usual frantic pace of KL and get

ready for a night of revelry. It’s highly

recommended for you to sink into

the plump cushion of the sofas, sip

upon a glass or two of mojito between

the laid-back conversation, and look

upon the glorious view of shimmering

Kuala Lumpur skyline, dominated by

the presence of iconic Petronas Twin

Towers nearby.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTel. +60 3 2332 9888www.shangri-la.com/kualalumpur/traders/

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Living the (Tropical) Dream at KHWAN BEACH RESORT

POSITIONED DIRECTLY BEHIND MAE NAM BEACH, KHWAN BEACH RESORT IS THE ONLY BOUTIQUE AND GALLERY HOTEL IN KOH SAMUI TO OFFER SUCH A PERFECT RETREAT FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR TROPICAL LUXURY. ALL OF THE RESORTS’ VILLAS OFFER THE SAME HIGH LEVEL OF PRIVACY TOGETHER WITH A STATE-OF-THE-ART SWIMMING POOL. HERE GUESTS CAN BE LAID BACK AND RELAXED WHILE PRACTICING THE ART OF DOING NOTHING AWAY FROM CIVILIZATION AND TIRESOME EVERYDAY INTERACTION.

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next stay

Guests can immerse themselves in

secluded luxury during their tropical

holiday; Khwan Beach Resort at Koh

Samui provides all that is needed for

this type of holiday relaxation. As

member of Secret Retreats, a collection

of small charming boutique hotels

across Asia, the pool villas are designed

with style to offer peaceful intimacy

with breathtaking views over Mae Nam

bay and Koh Phangan.

Khwan Beach Resort consists of 7 lavish

pool villas divided into three main

types; 2 duplex villas with sea views, 1

duplex villa with river views and 4 large

45 Sq. metre pool suite villas. All villas

feature their own private pools, one of

the resort’s high selling points. Each of

the villas is surrounded by lush tropical

gardens of exotic plants and trees. The

service here at Khwan Beach Resort is

exceptional, attentive staff and highly

trained butlers will make sure all guests

are well looked after.

Staying here gives visitors an

opportunity to explore the best of

Thailand’s shoreline. For those looking

for something less commercial, the

beaches are less crowded at Mae Nam.

The water there is clear and calm, the

palm trees are shady and from the beach

one can see a flotilla of islands, as they

appear to drift just off the coast to the

north. Further north Ko Phangan and

Ang Thong Marine Park are natural

wonders and there one can find that one

has a beach to themself.

Enjoy a dreamy holiday at Khwan Beach

Resort. Take a deep breath, relax and

cherish those great things life has to

offer.

67/61 Moo 1, Koh Samui, 84330, ThailandTel. +66 62 565 0796

www.secret-retreats.com/khwanbeach

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Bangkok is always a fantastic city to visit as it offers an

endless supply of fascinating heritage sites along with

modern leisure and entertainment facilities. As a member

of Secret Retreats, a collection of small charming boutique

hotels across Asia, Chakrabongse Villas presents a perfect

combination of the old with all the comfort of modernity.

This oasis of calm is set between the majestic Wat Pho

temple and the timeless beauty of the Chao Praya River. Here

there is an atmosphere of calm that comes from old Thai

authenticity.

HRH Prince Chakrabongse Buvanath directly linked

the establishment to the Thai Royal Family when built

Chakrabongse Villas in 1908. This link has provided the

BUILT ON THE BANKS OF THE CHAO PRAYA RIVER IN THE CENTRE OF OLD BANGKOK, CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS IS A LUXURY RETREAT WITH RICH HISTORICAL VALUE THAT PROVIDES A TRANQUIL HAVEN FOR THOSE SEEKING A BLISSFUL GETAWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF MODERN DAY LIFE.

Royal Unwind at CHAKRABONGSE VILLAS

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basis for some real majesty where

the indulgent comfort of guests is

concerned. There are 7 suites offered,

all standing within the lush greenery

of a rich tropical garden. The villas

are divided into 5 distinct types,

the Chinese Suite, Riverside Villa,

Thai House, Garden Suite and three

Moroccan-style B&B Rooms. Each

of these has been placed to enhance

advantages of its location. Dominated

by polished timbers, the distinctive

Thai architecture and design of these

villas is richly complimented by

sumptuous fabrics, antique furniture

and luxurious bathrooms.

Facilities available to all guests

include a spacious swimming

pool, lovely gardens, library and

riverside relaxation area and an

exceptional fine dining restaurant.

For those wishing to explore along

the channels of the Chao Praya

river, Chakrabongse Villas will offer

suggestions and is more than happy

to escort guests on sightseeing trips

with the villa’s own private boat.

Chakrabongse Villas historic

location is complemented with

exceptional service and facilities.

Here a soothing and relaxing stay

is evocative of the classic era of the

Thai Royal Kingdom. Guests are

invited to entertain their imagination

by engrossing themselves in the

sort of living history that has made

Thailand one of the premier heritage

destinations of the world.

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396/1 Tatien, Maharaj Road, Phraborommaharajawang, Phanakorn, BM, ThailandTel. +66 2 222 1290www.secret-retreats.com/chakrabongse

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Characterised as the country’s ‘trendiest destination’, the

award winning Six Senses Laamu is a graceful place to stay to

get taken in by the exotic atmosphere of The Maldives. This

luxury resort set in its own palm filled paradise is a collection

of on-land and over-water villas that have been constructed of

sustainable materials. The unpretentious and down-to-earth

service of the staff here is a delightful plus that has added

greatly to the resorts reputation.

Six Senses Laamu boasts 96 accommodation units comprising

of Beach Villas some with private pools, Water Villas and Two-

Bedroom Beach Villas with pools. All are innovatively styled

and crafted from responsible materials to blend with the

ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE HIGH-END RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES IS SIX SENSES LAAMU. THIS IS THE ONLY RESORT AT THE COUNTRY’S SOUTHERN ATOLL. IT FEATURES BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED ECO-FRIENDLY VILLAS SET ON A BEACH OF POWDER WHITE SAND OR STILTED ABOVE A LAGOON OVER BLUE TURQUOISE WATER.

Enchanting Seaside Stay at SIX SENSES LAAMU

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at SIX SENSES LAAMU natural surrounds while allowing guests

to enjoy the very best of the magical

environment they have come to. The

resorts large over water villas are built

with individual privacy and comfort in

mind and feature spacious sun decks,

comfortable bedrooms and outdoor

showers/baths.

To reach this exclusive haven, visitors

can take a 35 minutes flight from

Male International Airport (MLE) to

the island of Kadhdhoo and hitch a

15-minute boat ride through a placid

ocean. Dolphins playfully splashing

close to often accompany this boat trip.

Facilities here at Six Senses include

three restaurants named LEAF,

Longiture and Altitude and the highly

acclaimed Six Senses Spa for an

invigorating wellness journey. There are

several leisure activities facilitated by

the resort including diving, snorkelling,

surfing, line fishing and wonderful

island picnics. The location of

Six Senses Laamu is actually close to

several wildlife and water sport options.

Exotic fish such as mantas and dolphins

permanently live in the area and

sightings are practically guaranteed.

With precise location, sublime service

and downright reachable ocean wildlife

habitat, Six Senses Laamu absolutely

lives up its name as one of the most

value-to-value, sought out resort

destination in the Maldives.

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Laamu Atoll, MaldivesTel. +960 680 0800www.sixsenses.com/resorts/laamu/destination

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five best

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5BEST: AREAS WITH GORGEOUS

BEACHES AROUND SOUTHEAST ASIA

Lovely waves crashing over a white sandy beach on a serene day, what’s not to love? Southeast

Asia is blessed with some of the best beaches in the world. Any visits to the region will put

travellers close to some of the best beaches in the world. Here we provide you with a list of the 5

best beaches to visit around the Southeast Asian region. Dip your toe and enjoy the tropical bliss!

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The Island of the Gods is surely the place

where one can be taken in by some of the

best sunsets beyond the shoreline. Bali is full

of wonderful beaches to visit. Extend a reach

a bit off the shore of Sanur and one can visit

the two islands of Nusa Penida, and Nusa

Lembongan, these two unique islands are

home to some splendid vistas, both over and

under the water. Snorkelling and diving are

the main attractions as shallow reefs provide

a perfect habitat for a colour storm of marine

diversity, just waiting to be explored.

For some of the most challenging and exciting board riding conditions one should

head to the South of the island and Nusa Dua. Here lie many sandy coves that receive

formidable waves off the Indian Ocean. Gear up, bring your surfboard, and enjoy the

thrilling ride.

five best

BALI

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five best

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Reflecting the beauty of its neighbouring

isle of Bali, the island of Lombok

seems to be ‘stuck in time’ in a good

and unspoiled way. Pristine beaches,

gorgeous landscapes and tropical nature

are part of the island’s fame. Some

beautiful areas here survive well without

the support of commercial endeavours.

Besides the widely known areas of

interest such as Senggigi Beach and

the Gili clusters, there are a number of

underrated but fascinating spots worth

visiting around the island. These include

Tanjung A’an near Kuta Beach (not to be confused with the legendary one in Bali) where the shoreline

is famous for its unique pepper-like sand and the magnificent Tangsi Beach a.k.a ‘Pink beach’ so

named for the striking pink sand covering its entire shoreline.

LOMBOK

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five best

BELITUNG

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Formerly known as ‘Biliton’, Belitung Island at Bangka-Belitung province of

Indonesia is regarded as one of the best tropical sanctuaries in Southeast Asia.

Pristine white sand beaches overlook a turquoise sea. Here there are great

snorkelling sites within view of a fantastic display of offshore islands. Belitung

has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most anticipated holiday

destinations in the area especially for those who seek an alternative to the

mainstream vacation island resorts around Indonesia.

Two of the finest beaches to visit at Belitung are Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung

Tinggi. Here one will find a peaceful tropical feel of sun, sand and sea but a

minimum of the hustle and bustle of other more commercial resort sites. Most of

the hotels and inns are located in Tanjung Pandan city on the West side of the

island. It is a small city with adequate facilities and has several points of interest

in its own right. Here the museum, the harbour and the city’s own beach add

another level of interest to Belitung.

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Cleaved by the South China Sea, Malaysia is a country with two different visages. While the peninsula

flaunts bustling cities, colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tropical resort islands, Malaysian

Borneo host’s wild jungles, orang-utans, granite peaks and remote tribes, along with some pretty

spectacular diving spots.

For a glorious summer holiday in Malaysia, Redang Island should be marked bold on your trip list.

Positioned within a marine park, Redang host’s some excellent diving and snorkelling sites. One can

easily take in the sunny beaches and lush tropical jungle here. The largest beach in Redang is Pasir

Panjang on the east side and it is the main tourist hub offering half a dozen resorts to choose from.

REDANG

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An astonishing land full of opportunities

for rural adventurers, Vietnam is a country

of breathtaking natural beauty and unique

heritage. This is a land of unforgettable

experiences, dramatic landscapes and

fascinating seascapes. On the Eastern coast of

Vietnam, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi

Minh City is the city of Da Nang. This vast ever-

growing city blossoms with with fancy cafes,

luxury pubs and lavish resorts. It is also possible

for beach strollers here to find a peaceful solace

on the beaches around the city. Some of the

most recommended beaches for relaxing on are

around Danang. Here one can be laid back and

relaxed on Pham van Duong, My Khe, Bac My An and Non Nuoc. However, there is far too much going on

here ignore, get adventurous and explore!

DA NANG

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FASCINATING JOURNEYTO SOME OF

AMAZING PLACES THAILAND’S

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THAILAND, WITH ALL ITS LOVELY WHITE BEACHES, MAGICAL TROPICAL ISLANDS, RICHLY FORESTED SLOPES, BEAUTIFUL TEMPLES, DELICIOUS FOOD AND LUXURIOUS RESORTS IS OF COURSE REGARDED AS ONE OF THE PREMIER HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD. WITHIN THE COUNTRIES LAND AND MARINE BORDERS, THE LIST OF TROPICAL DESTINATIONS IS ENDLESS.

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journey

On this trip my first port of call was Phuket,

an island located in the Andaman Sea off

Southern Thailand. I arrived here to enjoy

some time out on this alluring and vibrant destination.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is here that an

unbeatable collection silky soft and white palm-lined beaches

are to be had and where excellent snorkelling, dining and

world-class luxury resorts are on offer every day. I arrived

to clear sunny skies and cooling sea breezes; it was sheer

paradise.

This beautiful island has been one of Asia’s most popular

beach destinations. Whether one is a world-class diver or

just has a wont to spend time at a tropical getaway, Phuket

is the place to be. Amazing scenery, striking tropical sunsets

and warm blue sea await and promise to deliver some

unforgettable holiday moments. There is always something

to do both on and off the island. The range of activities and

places to visit is remarkable for such a small island. Even for

those who like shopping Phuket offers a variety of shopping

venues from night markets and local shops to western style

department stores and upmarket specialist shops.

I stayed at the Amanpuri, a resort tucked away on the west

coast of Phuket within a secluded coconut plantation from

where stunning views over the turquoise sweep of the

Andaman Sea are to be had. This is the first of the Aman

resorts to be opened and it pioneered the concept of small

luxurious resorts that feature modern facilities and service

with local design aspects and a careful blending with the

natural surrounds.

Amanpuri offers 40 Thai-styled pavilions and 32 private villas.

Each of the pavilions features a king-size bed, an oversized

bathroom, spacious dressing areas and an outdoors sala with

sun deck and dining terrace. Several types of pavilion are on

offer here, a pool pavilion, garden pool pavilion and ocean

pavilion, each of which has their own private pool.

While in Phuket, I visited Phang Nga Bay because of its

distinctive feature of sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically

out of the emerald-green waters. Two of the most iconic

spots in this bay worth seeing are James Bond Island (Khao

Phing Kan) and Koh Panyee. I found that the best way to

enjoy the fantastic scenery here is to take a one-day boat trip

from the northern end of Phuket. This is a rewarding cruse

through dramatic limestone islands where one can stop and

enjoy quiet beaches or paddle through limestone caves of

cathedral proportions where stalagmites and stalactites stand

or hang like sentinels over nature’s majestic subterranean

beauty. Being paddled through bays and around islands

and limestone caves allows one to enjoy the sights without

exertion.

Phuket abounds with beach clubs, some of which number

amongst the best anywhere. One that stands out for me is

SPECTACULAR SCENERY & STUNNING NATURE OF PHUKET

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the Baba Nest. From the deck here one is treated to a 360-degree

view of Phuket and the Andaman Sea. This venue sits on the

highest point of the island’s southeastern peninsula and is set on

a large deck with an Infinity pool surrounding its elevated site

thus creating the sensation that one is floating between sky and

sea. Here one can enjoy four course meals, cocktails, magnificent

views and more cocktails through the magic of a tropical sunset.

Phuket’s surrounding islands provide some of the best spots for

snorkelling as the water is clear and usually calm allowing views

of amazing colour bursts - compliments of the prolific marine

life. The best time for snorkelling is between November and April

when the sea is at it most placid. Ko Racha Yai is one of the more

popular snorkelling spots because of its proximity to Phuket and

its rich marine life.

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journey

Next stop for me was Krabi. The

distance from Phuket to Krabi is around

170km, so it is easily accessible by road,

air and sea.

Enticed by the promise of beaches and

the natural beauty of unspoiled scenery

I was certainly not disappointed on

arrival. I looked forward with relish

to my stay, a stay that could be either

relaxing or full of exciting activities.

I chose to stay with Amari Vogue Krabi,

a plush boutique resort on Tub Kaek

Beach just 30 kilometres from the town

of Krabi. Here the elegant structures

are styled along the distinctive lines

of Thai Lanna architecture. The resort

offers all the modern facilities today’s

holidaymakers would expect.

Amari Vogue is set in picture postcard

surrounds with ocean and islands

commanding the western view while

the undisturbed lush green of the

tropics envelopes the landside boarders

of this resort. Within, its rich gardens,

statues and enchanting design evokes at

first sight a gasp and the exclamation,

”This must be the gardens of Xanadu!”.

With great care all the supporting

facilities here have been designed

to blend in place with the overall

environment. The enchanting pool with

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its line of elephant fountains is palatial

it its dimensions and lines up magically

with a small island just off the beach.

This is just the place to spend a lazy day

or to take a drink from during sunset.

If some more active time here is

a wont, island hopping, diving,

snorkelling, sailing, ecology walks, and

bird watching are all available in this

wonderful area.

A must visit here is Maya Bay at Phi

Phi Leh, the place where Leo DiCaprio

filmed “The Beach” Here beaches are

backed by limestone cliffs and quiet

little coves can be found in this majestic

area. Another nearby destination is

Bamboo Island or Koh Mai Phai. Its

lovely beach surrounds this tiny little

island and interestingly it is caesareans

that cover it, not a stick of bamboo is to

be seen.

North of Phi Phi Don, one can find

Mosquito Island or Koh Yung, and

hopefully like Bamboo Island there is

not a one of its namesake to be found.

Here limestone cliffs dominate the

landscape and this attractive island

with its clear water, coral reef, and rich

marine life has become an exciting

snorkelling ground.

Krabi has it all for those who just

want to enjoy relaxing on beaches,

swimming in the clear of a warm sea or

for those who want to make this a more

adventurous stay.

These two places certainly provided

me with some unforgettable moments

and I enjoyed extraordinary natural

landscapes as well as unique cultural

interactions. The island paradises

are perfect for those seeking blissful

beaches, snorkelling or diving

adventures, exploration of island

interiors and shopping at sophisticated

boutiques or just soaking up the tropical

ambiance.

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THE TABANAN REGENCY COVERS OVER 800 SQ. KILOMETRES THROUGH THE CENTRE OF BALI AND IS WIDELY REGARDED AS THE ISLAND’S ‘GREEN BELT’. THE REGENCY’S ADMINISTRATION SETS HIGH STANDARDS FOR HOTEL AND RESORT BUILDING AND EMPHASIS THE IMPORTANCE OF PRESERVING THE MAJORITY OF THE AREA’S RURAL ENVIRONMENT. AS SUCH TABANAN HAS BECOME A FULFILLING DESTINATION FOR THOSE WITH AN EYE FOR A ROLLING LANDSCAPE OF PADDY FIELDS, FORESTED HILLSIDES, LAKES AND THE MARKET GARDENS OF BEDUGUL.

Tabanan is somewhat underrated as a tourist

destination but besides its attractive rural aspects

the regency has a lot of interesting historical sites

that are well-worth visiting. There is a great deal to

see and do within this interesting regency.

My trip to Tabanan began with a visit to Jatiluwih,

here beautiful rice terraces unfold down the side

of Mt. Batukaru on its coastal reaches. The fertile

soil here along with good weather patterns is

excellent for healthy rice crops and this is obvious

to anyone who compares the crops here to those in

other parts of Bali. My next stop was nearby Alas

Kedaton, a temple built on 1250 AD and stands in

a rainforest that is home to thousands long-tailed

macaque monkeys. Here the monkeys have made

the temple a favourite meeting site where they

interact freely with visitors. Tourists are advised to

treat the monkeys with respect here.

Next stop was Margarana Park in Marga village.

This peaceful green park is the place where a force

of 96 Balinese led by I Gusti Ngurah Rai faced

around 400 of Dutch colonial troops. The result

was deadly for the Balinese who were outnumbered

4 to 1 by the Dutch but this battle marked the

beginning of the end for Dutch colonial rule in

Indonesia. Independence was declared in 1945

and by 1947 the republic of Indonesia was formed.

To commemorate this telling event a monument

was built on the grounds of Margarana Park. A

moment’s silence is often observed here by visiting

Indonesians.

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Tabanan is the lush part of Bali and nowhere emphasises

this more than Bedugul. Here lakes and forested

hillsides surround the market garden area of Bali.

Here the well tended Botanical Gardens reside and

here also, set as though floating in Lake Bratan is Ulun

Danu Bratan, one of Bali’s most important historical

temples. This temple can be dated back to 500 BC. My

last destination was of course the iconic and much

photographed Tanah Lot Beach and Temple. The Pura

(temple) sits just offshore on a rock formation and has

become one of the most anticipated visiting sites of Bali,

most especially during sunset.

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The Amazon of Asia - The Most Pristine Diving Destination at the Edge of the World

IF YOU ARE A NATURE LOVER AND UNDERWATER AFICIONADO A MUST ON YOUR BUCKET LIST SHOULD BE A JOURNEY TO THE RAJA AMPAT ISLANDS ALSO KNOWN AS THE AMAZON FOREST UNDER THE SEA. LOCATED ON THE ISLAND OF NEW GUINEA IN INDONESIA’S WEST PAPUA PROVINCE, RAJA AMPAT IS PART OF THE CORAL TRIANGLE COMPOSED OF INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, PAPUA NEW GUINEA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, AND EAST TIMOR.

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A diver’s paradise, this tropical archipelago covers

9.8 million acres of land and sea and is home to 1,500

small islands, cays and shoals, 540 types of corals and

more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of

mollusks. According to Conservation International

the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat area is the

highest recorded on Earth with a diverse living library

in the world for coral reef and underwater biota

(75% of the world’s species can be found here). Often

referred to as the Four Kings, Raja Ampat received its

name from local mythology that tells about a woman

who finds seven eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatch

and become kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat

biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost,

a woman, and a stone.

If you want to experience the epicentre of tropical

marine bio-diversity, one must book a stay at the

Misool Eco Resort (www.misoolecoresort.com). An

exclusive dive resort and conservation centre that

belongs to a boutique collection of hotels called Secret

Retreats (www.secret-retreats.com), Misool Eco Resort

is nestled deep in an archipelago of uninhabited

islands on the island of Batbitim. The owners,

Marit and Andrew Miners, are a visionary couple

who built the entire resort from reclaimed tropical

hardwood providing sustainable local employment

opportunities decoupled from extraction of marine

resources. This is one of the very few places on earth

in which the quality of reef is actually increasing year

by year because of their ‘No-Take Zone’ policy where

all fishing, cyanide fishing, bombing, shark finning,

harvesting of turtle eggs, and shellfish is prohibited,

allowing for marine biodiversity to continue to

grow and remain protected for generations to come.

Staying at this eco-friendly resort, you will not only

get to experience the Amazon of Asia but, as the

resort’s name implies, you will be directly supporting

their numerous conservation initiatives.

Although Raja Ampat is more remote than other

diving destinations, it is also what has kept it from

becoming overly saturated with tourists. To get to Raja

Ampat one can take a six-hour flight from Jakarta, the

capital of Indonesia, to Sorong and from there you can

take a public or express ferry.

Cristy Elmendorpwww.somajourneys.com

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SITUATED IN ANDAMAN SEA, ABOUT 30KM OFF THE NORTHWESTERN COASTLINE OF MALAYSIA; LANGKAWI ISLAND IS ACTUALLY THE MAIN ISLAND OF A 104 ISLAND ARCHIPELAGO WHICH HAS LONG BEEN ACKNOWLEDGED AS ONE OF THE BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN MALAYSIA. THE OFFICIALLY ENTITLED ‘JEWEL OF KEDDAH’ IS A GORGEOUS GETAWAY BLESSED WITH LUSH FORESTED AREAS AND PRISTINE WHITE-SANDY BEACHES AND SURROUNDED BY CLEAR BLUE WATER.

Incredible Tropical Getaway at Langkawi Island

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My first mission here was to spend some

relaxing time on Cenang Beach, one of

the most popular beaches on the island.

This is a beach that greets its visitors

as properly as a tropical beach should.

A comforting sea breeze rustles lazily

through coconut palm throngs as the

gentle lap of an azure Andaman Sea

splashes onto the edge of its white sand.

After my relaxing beach sojourn I took

the Langkawi Cable Car up to the Mount

Mat Chinchang observation point. This

is a dramatic cable car ride and the view

from the top station, close to the peak

is sensational. One gets to look across

a range of cone shaped mountains that

form the backbone of the island.

This is not the end of the experience

though. From the top station visitors can

hitch on to an inclined lift called Skyglide

that moves up to the peak of Mount Mat

Chinchang from where one can step

onto the incredible Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Completed in 2005, this bridge deck is

located 660 meters above sea level and

designed as a curved walkway in inverted

triangular shape to maximize the

viewing experience, providing a shifting

perspective as visitors walk along it. The

view from here is breathtaking as full

aspects of the island’s features are laid

out in front of the viewer.

Here on Langkawi lovely beaches such

as Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau

Bay, Pantai Kok and more are backed by

well-forested hills. From Kuah town and

around there are great accommodation

options as well as bars, restaurants,

beach clubs and spars. Offshore a

complete range of water sports, diving

and snorkelling and of course island

hopping can be enjoyed. My visit to

Langkawi this time was well spent, this

island never fails to impress me and it is

my favourite tropical getaway.

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TO HOLIDAY AWAY FROM THE RUSH OF EVERYDAY LIFE TO A MIX OF RELAXING BEACHES AND LIVELY ACTIVITIES AT THE COSMOPOLITAN MELTING POT OF KOH SAMUI IS A TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE. THIS TROPICAL DESTINATION IS UNIQUE AMONG ITS COUNTERPARTS IN THAILAND. HERE BUDGET TRAVELLERS AND WEALTHY HOLIDAYMAKERS ALIKE GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS LAVISH AND VARIETY FILLED GETAWAY.

A Blissful Holiday at Koh Samui

This island is situated in the Gulf of Thailand about 35

Km. northeast from the town of Surat Thani. Koh Samui is

Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket and is known

as one of the oldest tourist destinations in Thailand. It

has long been regarded as one of the most popular holiday

destinations in Asia. This easily accessible destination is a

site of majestic natural beauty.

Koh Samui is home to lavish resorts and villas and it is

also endowed with palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves

and dense, mountainous rainforest. The iconic man made

landmark here is the 12 metre golden Big Buddha statue at

Wat Phra Yai temple. There is much to do on Koh Samui and

whether it is relaxing on the beach, embarking on a culinary

adventure, bar hopping, island hopping, jungle trekking or

water activities it is all part of a fulfilling holiday experience.

My first destination on the island was Chaweng; Ko Samui’s

longest and most beautiful beach featuring soft powdery

sand and crystal clear water. Here I indulged myself in

a blissfully relaxing sojourn exploring the great range of

restaurants, bars and cafes that lined the beach.

One of the main reasons for my visit to Koh Samui on this

trip was to be part of the full-moon festival held across

Koh Pha Ngan—a small island that is a part of the Samui

archipelago. I arrived at Koh Pha Ngan after a pleasant 30

minute boat trip in the afternoon and went straight to the

Amstardam Bar. This is a very popular bar amongst tourists

and is located adjacent to the Stone Hill Resort. Here I was

privileged to witness one of the best sunset views I’ve ever

come across.

At sundown we headed towards Haad Rin Beach where the

full moon party was being held. A local crowd of families

numbering over 20,000 people gather here to enjoy the

party. This is a vibrant event and the enjoyment is so

infectious that it has become some of the major tourist

attractions in Thailand.

I am really glad to have had the opportunity to enjoy the

sights and exciting things to do on Koh Samui and have

promised myself a return trip sometime soon.

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Enchanting Tropical Beauty of theMaldives

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Situated in the Indian Ocean off India’s

southwest the Maldives is actually an

archipelago of more than a thousand

islands and coral atolls. This string of

islands of The Republic of the Maldives

covers an area of 300 Sq. kilometres of

which 99% is sea and around 1% is island

terra firma. The sea of the Maldives is

home to one of the most diverse marine

treasures in the world while the island

coastal areas have held the scenic appeal

that has attracted so many visitors to its

lovely water playground.

The Maldives is a collection of 26 atolls,

or atholhu in Dhivehi language. These

are not single islands, but giant ring-like

coral formations hundreds of kilometres

wide that have fragmented into countless

islands. The capital of the Maldives is

Malé, occupying the entire area of its

namesake island Malé located at the

southern rim of North Male Atoll.

The main attraction of Maldives is surely

the underwater world off its shorelines,

some of which are even considered to

be the best diving and snorkelling spots

in the world. The richness and variety

of marine life is astonishing; dazzling

coral walls and magnificent caves where

schools of brightly coloured tropical

fish draw divers down to the reefs.

This ‘sunken garden’ of nature is also

inhabited by some of the magnificent

sea travellers such as manta rays, turtles,

sharks and gigantic whale sharks. For

those who just want a lazy day by the

shore, worry not. The Maldives is home

to perhaps the best beaches in the world

as well. Almost all the beaches of the

country’s 1,200 coral islands feature

whiter-than-white powder sand against

the magnetic luminosity of a cyan-blue

sea.

Tourism is the largest industry in

Maldives, and the number of resorts

established throughout the archipelago

makes this obvious. Nearly 90% of the

resorts in Maldives are built on their

own private islands thus allowing for

a large degree of peaceful seclusion

for holidaymakers. In these past few

years the Maldives opened the way for

independent travellers to explore all

aspects of this enchanting archipelago

without being confined to particular

resort programs.

THIS INDIAN OCEAN PARADISE OF TROPICAL ISLAND BEACHES

AND RICH CORAL REEFS IS ATTRACTING VISITORS FROM

ALL OVER THE WORLD TO THE SPLENDOUR OF ITS NATURAL

RESOURCES. THE MALDIVES IS A PREMIER DESTINATION FOR ADVENTURE TRAVELLERS AND

RESORT GOERS ALIKE.

next island

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Dazzling Bandung Nature

next destination

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BANDUNG IS WELL KNOWN AS A CITY OF CREATIVITY WHERE THE ARTS AND POPULAR CULTURAL THREADS HAVE MORPHED INTO MODERN TRENDS. THIS IS A UNIVERSITY CITY FULL OF YOUTHFUL

EXCITEMENT THAT LIES HAPPILY ALONGSIDE ITS

MODERN INDUSTRIAL BASE.

Bandung draws business as well as

tourist visitors and is well equipped

to cater for both. Here vacation sites,

shopping centres, restaurants and

dramatic landscapes work to make

the city an enjoyable and comfortable

destination for visitors. Almost

completely surrounded by fertile

highlands of orchards and green

plantations, Bandung’s hinterland has as

much to offer as the city itself.

Ever since its establishment as the

capital of West Java, Bandung has held

on to the charm bestowed on it during

the Dutch colonial era when it was

known as ‘Paris Van Java’. Fertile soils, a

cooler temperate climate and the planter

community helped turn Bandung into

a tropical highland escape with all the

accents of Paris.

I am a regular visitor to Bandung and

it was on this occasion that I decided

to spend some time away from the city

bustle and take a trip through part of the

lovely countryside to the volcanic crater

of Kawah Putih. The volcano lies some

50 kilometres to the south of Bandung

and my route took me through some

of the lush forest that surrounded it.

Kawah Putih was opened to the public

back in 1987. The crater holds a sizeable

and highly acidic lake (pH 0.5-1.3) which

changes colour from bluish to whitish

green or brown depending on the

concentration of sulphur and the water

temperature. This area has become a

fully-fledged tourist site and as such a

range of facilities that includes ample

parking has been established close to the

lake.

It is said that a trip to Bandung would

not be complete without a shopping

excursion through the city’s numerous

outlets. For high end shoppers there are

several top-notch stores that include

The Secret Factory Outlet, The Branded

Club, Rumah Mode, Grande Fashion and

Cihampelas Shopping Street. A huge

variety of brands at irresistible prices

can be found throughout Ir. Juanda

Street, Setiabudi Street, Riau Street and

the Cihampelas area.

Great dining venues here include the

well-known Peak with its 360-degree

view of Bandung and its surrounds or

for a more casual but popular dining

experience one should visit the Valley

Café.

One trip is never enough to see all that

Bandung has to offer and after all my

trips I will still go back to see more.

For those wishing to visit this exciting

city, Husein Sastranegara International

Airport can be reached from Bali,

Surabaya, Jakarta and other big cities in

Indonesia with AirAsia. For more info

please click www.airasia.com

next destination

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NOT SO MANY PLACE OFFICIALLY ENTITLED AS ‘DAERAH ISTIMEWA’ (SPECIAL REGION), AND JOGJAKARTA IS ONE OF THOSE FEW EXCEPTIONS. THIS CITY IN CENTRAL JAVA AREA KNOWN FOR ITS LAID-BACK VIBRANT AND CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE IS ALSO A TREASURE TROVE FILLED WITH ANCIENT, COLONIAL AND MODERN CULTURAL EDIFIES.

Nature and Culture Fuse of Jog jakarta

next destination

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Exploring Jogja never fails to amuse

me, as there are myriads of places that

I could choose to go. The city emits

a tangible laid-back vibrant but also

maintain its pride and dignity, proven

by the perseverance of the ‘Sultanate’

system in their governmental aspect.

My first destination in Jogja is the

legendary Merapi Mountain. It is the

most active volcano on the country that

regularly erupts since back in 1548.

I witnessed with my own eyes as the

bubbling lava spewed to the ash-laden

terrains. For those planning to see the

mountain but not actually into hiking,

worry not, as you can go by car through

Merapi Lava Tour program, which takes

you to enjoy Merapi from some vantage

spot on safe distance by a jeep. It is a

definite experience for adventurer at

heart.

For the next stop, I headed to

Parangtritis beach. Yes, like Bali, Jogja

also owns its very own shorelines; in

fact, some of them are the best you

could find in Central Java. Parangtritis

is known for its stunning sunset view,

although the sea is not really safe

for swimming due to strong current,

sizeable waves and unpredicted

channels.

Not feeling enough with my

exploration, I also went to Gua

Jomblang. A cave located on the feet

of Mount Kidul with unique vertical

entrance. This means you have to know

some basic skills in rope climbing, as

there is no walkable path to enter the

cave. Soon after ‘landing’, I walked on

the slope for about 15 meters and gaze

upon one of the most beautiful sight

in my life; lush ancient forest made

by mixture of vegetations of moss and

trees unlike anything you see on the

surface. A little bit further, I stumble

across a clear river flowing under

the ground I stepped on, and sun ray

which penetrate through the hole of the

caves from 90 meters above, forming a

glimmering pillar of light.

Before I wrapped my memorable

holiday, I also get the chance to visit

Keraton; a royal palace where the

current Sultan of Jogjakarta and

his family resides. Here is the best

place to learn about the rich histories

of Jogjakarta, as it also serves as

a museum of culture, keeping the

collections of Sultan’s belonging, from

gamelan traditional instrument to the

gift presented by the kings of Europe,

traced back to its glorious era.

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next destination

Wholesome Holiday Experience atSingapore

Here the tourist magnets range from

aspiring sci-fi buildings to glorious

street food – from museums and fine

art to the latest entertainment hits. All

this is backed up by the city’s modern

transportation system. It would be

remiss of me not to mention the high-

end malls, stores selling quality goods

and the crowd-pulling annual mega-sale

periods making Singapore a one-stop

haven for travellers and shoppers alike.

Located adjacent to Indonesia, Singapore

can be defined as ‘small-size with

big heart’. The city-state is one of the

most advanced countries in the South-

East Asian region and with its vast

infrastructural development it has

become both a desirable place to live as

well as a huge tourist draw.

I arrived for the equatorial sunset, which

put me in step to enjoy Singapore’s

vibrant nightlife at the Marina Bay area.

From the airport, it took less than 20

minutes by MRT to arrive at Marina

Bay station. This is an open pathway to

hotel, casino, mall, theatre, exhibition

and museum complex. The star of this

area is of course the mighty Merlion

statue. Once at the original entrance

to the Singapore River it has now been

relocated to Merlion Park where is the

iconic personification of Singapore’s

successful development. The atmosphere

of Marina Bay is really best enjoyed at

night when there is an atmosphere of

action and excitement that is generated

by bright lights and happy crowds.

As I made my way through all this it

was soon time to get something to eat

and one of my favourite dishes here

on Singapore is Hainan chicken rice;

a traditional and complete Chinese

A MERE STOPOVER IT IS NOT, SINGAPORE HAS ESTABLISHED

ITSELF AS ONE OF THE HOTTEST HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN THE UNIVERSE. THIS SMALL YET SOPHISTICATED ISLAND STATE IS BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

WITH TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND AMUSEMENTS.

85TropicaLife.net

meal that has been associated with

Singapore’s national cuisine. This

delicious dish is made from boneless,

white-tender chicken boiled in broth

with infused spices and served along

with savoury garlic rice and chilli ginger

sauce. There is such a variety of food

choice here but an area famous for

Singapore fare is Tiong Bahru. This is

one of the oldest residential estates in

Singapore and which has transformed

into a hype zone for culinary hunters.

Here chic cafes, restaurants and coffee

shops abound. Given time, one could eat

ones way around the world here.

Singapore also known as a paradise for

shoppers and here a highly anticipated

annual event will take place from

June 1st to July 26th this year. This

is the Great Singapore Sale known

to Singaporeans as the GSS. This

annual sale season is a true highlight

for any shopaholic. During the GSS

period, retailers offer steep discounts,

sometimes up to 70 per cent off original

cost. If you happen to visit the country

during this period, consider yourself

lucky and shop – shop – shop.

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next destination

The centre of all activities in Penang is

undoubtedly George Town, Penang’s city,

and an urban centre that delivers the old-

world Asia in spades. No wonder this city

along with Melaka was fêted as Malaysia’s

newest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in

2008. George Town is relatively clean, safe

and well managed. During my visit, I was

happy to find the pavements along most

roads were well maintained to a good

standard. George Town has many attractive

pre-Second World War houses and shops,

as well as 19th century churches, temples,

mosques, and colonial buildings.

Aside from its reputation as a heritage

destination, Penang is also well known

domestically and in Singapore for being the

veritable “food paradise” of Malaysia for

its culinary originality and diversity. Some

of the best of Malaysian traditional food

can be found over the island. These dishes

include Char Kway Teow, Penang Laksa and

Nasi Kandar are to be found practically

everywhere. I ate one of the best char kway

teow in my life in a small restaurant I’d

come across down a small alleyway. This

was a restaurant not listed in any tourist

guide I’d seen.

Another unique aspect of Penang is how it’s

been acknowledged as one of the leading

destinations for ‘medical tourism’ in the

Asian region. Here foreign travels come to

seek treatment for their medical problems.

The hospitals in Penang are staffed by

Homage to Heritage at Penang

WELCOME TO PENANG, AN ISLAND OFF THE NORTHWESTERN COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA. DURING THE GLORIOUS ERA OF EXPLORATION, PENANG BECAME ONE OF THE MAIN CONNECTING LINKS FOR THE ASIAN AND AMERICAN CONTINENTS AND A MELTING POT OF TRADERS FROM BOTH. THIS IS THE MAIN IDENTIFYING FACTOR OF PENANG THAT HAS BECOME MALAYSIA’S MOST DIVERSE,

COSMOPOLITAN AND EXCITING MULTICULTURAL REGION.

87TropicaLife.net

highly trained doctors and nurses as well

as providing excellent modern facilities.

The majority of the doctors here are

educated and certified in the US, Europe

and Australia. This all comes at very

competitive prices thus providing the

island with a valuable addition to its

economy.

Between sightseeing on Penang, Lone

Pine hotel provides a most comfortable

and accommodating place to stay. Tucked

away in an idyllic spot along the Batu

Ferringhi coastline, Lone Pine is one of the

legendary lodges of Penang and features a

mixture of colonial spirit and idyllic charm

throughout its 90 rooms. All rooms feature

breathtaking sea views and a plunge bath

on the private balcony.

My trip to Penang was an eventful one

and I got the chance to see some of the

amazing heritage buildings from before

and during the British colonial days. I

also stumbled upon some of the best

traditional food I’ve ever tasted as well as

soaking in the island’s tropical delights.

AirAsia has direct flights from several

international airports. For more info click

on www.airasia.com

TropicaLife.net88

WITH A POPULATION OF OVER ELEVEN MILLION PEOPLE, BANGKOK IS THAILAND’S LARGEST CITY AS WELL AS THE COUNTRIES CAPITOL. THE CITY IS REGARDED AS ONE OF ASIA’S MOST COSMOPOLITAN AND VIBRANT. HERE MAGNIFICENT TEMPLES AND PALACES, COLOURFUL AND BUSY CANALS, BUST=LING MARKETS AND VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE

VENUES ARE TO BE ENJOYED BY EXPLORERS OF THIS URBAN WONDER. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY IN THIS

EXCITING CITY.

Bangkok: City Of Temples

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89TropicaLife.net

Bangkok greets me with its exotic

charms the moment I set foot on the

ground of Don Mueang Internation-

al Airport. This modern world-class

aviation stopover could not hide the

excitement of Bangkok’s tropical mood

as it embraced me in the spirit of

welcoming invitation. This is Southeast

Asia’s very own ‘City Of Angels’ and is

where familiar and traditional aspects

collide with unique harmony.

Previously known as Krung Thep,

what is now Bangkok was built on the

very navigable Chao Phraya River and

operated as a small trading port. It was

King Rama I, the first Monarch of the

Chakri Dynasty who decided to turn

the port into the capital of Siam in 1782

just after the previous capital, Ayu-

thayya was destroyed by a Burmese in-

vasion. Nowadays of course, Bangkok is

a national treasure house and functions

as the heartbeat of Thailand. From

here the spiritual, cultural, political,

commercial and educational aspects of

Thailand are coordinated.

There are just so many things to do

and places to visit in Bangkok but on

this trip on mine I wanted to explore

as many of the historical and heritage

sites I could. There are over 400 ornate

temples and shrines to be found all

across the city. I chose to visit Wat Pho

and Wat Arun—two of the most impor-

tant temples located close to the Grand

Palace complex. Wat Pho is actually the

largest temple in Bangkok and is where

the famous golden ‘Sleeping Buddha’

statue resides. With a length of 46m, it

is definitely one of the most mesmeriz-

ing statues I’ve ever come across. After

Wat Pho I went to Wat Arun, located

near the Chao Phraya River. Known as

‘The Temple of Dawn’ the serenity here

is not to be missed.

I was kept busy with my heritage

explorations but I couldn’t resist an

urge to go shopping. Bangkok is also

known as a haven for all shopahol-

ics and Chatuchak Weekend Market

become my next destination. Open on

weekends, one can easily find almost

anything at these markets. There are

more than 8000 stalls on 10 hectare

of land making it one of the largest

markets in the world. One of the great-

est draw cards Chatuchak has is the

enormous range of shoes and clothing

on sale here at bargain prices.

There is simply not enough time to see

everything here and once taken in by

this city, one is bound to return.

AirAsia provides a flight route to the

City of Angels at most affordable prices.

For more information, click on

www.airasia.com

TropicaLife.net90

ONE OF THE BIGGEST METROPOLISES IN THE WORLD, TOKYO HOLDS MYRIADS OF FASCINATING CHARMS. THIS HUGE, WEALTHY AND GORGEOUS ADVANCED CITY BRINGS HIGH-TECH VISIONS OF

THE FUTURE AND PLACE THEM SIDE BY SIDE WITH GLIMPSES OF OLD JAPAN. IT CERTAINLY HAS SOMETHING TO PLEASE EVERYONE.

Dabbled both as ‘the city of

Shogun and Sci-Fi’, Tokyo

differs themselves from any

other major living space

on earth. The city prides

itself on constant renewal

and reinvention in term of

technology whilst constantly

pays homage to its glorious

era of Meiji, where samurai and

geisha roam the street and authority contested

between major Feudal clans.

My first stop during my holiday in Tokyo was

Senso-ji Temple at Asakusa district. It is the

oldest temple in the city formerly associated

with the Tendai Buddhism sect. It only took

me around 5 minutes to find the temple from

Asakusa Station. I was greeted with the sight

of a decorative temple beyond a massive

The Merry Side Of Remnants and Technology at Tokyo

next destination

91TropicaLife.net

sized gate called ‘Kaminarimon’—or

thunder gate. I found myself standing

in awe and just admiring the sturdy

and gallant design of the gate, and of

course, take a snap or two selfies in

front of it.

Upon entering the Kaminarimon gate,

I walked along the road to reach the

main hall of Senso-ji. Later I found

out that the road I was walking on is

called Nakamise Douri, and it marks

as one of the most important road

in Japan during feudal era of Meiji.

Nowadays, the road has become the

center of gift shops in Tokyo, filled

with stalls and booths on each of it

sides, selling Japanese goodies to take

home.

My next destination in Tokyo is

the district of Ginza. This area is

considered as the high fashion center

of the city and contains many upscale

shops and restaurants to please both

shopping and culinary enthusiast.

To satisfy my curiosity even more,

I entered the Shibuya district and

went to Harajuku. The world-wide

well known center of Japan fashion

flingers, filled with expressive

youth (and some senior citizens)

wearing over-the-top peculiar outfits

which are both visually catchy and

endearing. The area also boasts

impressive contemporary architecture

with elements taken from Japanese

traditional and pop culture aspect,

mish-mashed to create elaborate

structures.

As an avid anime lover, it would be

a mistake if I pass a chance to visit

Odaiba. A large manmade island off

the shore of Tokyo Bay, this place was

initially built for defensive measure

during the 18th century era, and now

has turned into a haven for anime

lovers. Large replicas taken from

popular anime can be found scattered

in this colorful island, including a life-

sized Gundam statue and a real scale

replica of Sunny pirate ship from One

Piece.

next destination

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The restaurant façade may not appear to

be dramatically special but once entering

the premises one finds oneself in a very

welcoming ambience where a feeling of

assured attention and service pervades.

Noosa is a French restaurant set in

Bali’s Resort district and boasts a classic

interior design. Guests can choose indoor

seating within the restaurant’s classic

interior or outdoor seating overlooking

the swimming pool and garden. Hiroyuki

Meno, the Executive Chef provides

distinct cuisine creations that combine

French Technique with the best of local

ingredients. The menu consists of 3, 4

or 5 set courses from which diners may

choose dishes as desired.

I started with smoked salmon and

cucumber with dill cream. This dish

is unique in so much that the salmon

is smoked at the table from which it is

ordered. I followed this with Noosa’s

red snapper covered with dill and goat

cheese flavoured compose and served

with cauliflower puree and ratatouille.

The fish was fresh with just the right

amount of moisture while the sauce

really complemented a meal that was one

of the best fish dishes I’ve ever tasted.

For meat lovers there is grilled wagyu

tenderloin beef with red wine sauce,

roasted vegetables and caramelized

passion sauce. To finish I had what was

an unusual but delicious sweet described

as caramelized mix nut nougat ice cream

in a chocolate dome. At first it looked

like a chocolate ball but before serving

the waiter poured hot mango and

passion sauce over it that had the effect

of opening it up like the dawn opening

of a chocolate flower. The taste was pure

magic.

spice

Warm Welcoming FeastAT NOOSA RESTAURANT

Jl. Toya Ning no. 9 Kedonganan, Jimbaran, BaliTel. +62 361 703288

Noosa is one of the newest additions in the restaurant scene on Bali and presents itself as a dining venue that offers something deliciously different.

93TropicaLife.net

Loosely translated to ‘Seventh Heaven’, Settimo Cielo is an

eclectic eatery with a sophisticated approach to dining service.

The restaurant perfectly captures the essence of a contemporary

concept with both the venue and cuisine presentation. A fresh

water pond with fire features leads through to a quaint tropical

garden and a tree planted terrace with a glass ceiling that allows

guests to dine in al fresco ambience whether rain or shine.

Settimo Cielo serves ‘rustic refined’ Italian-inspired goodness

made from fresh ingredients. One of their recommended starter;

arancini of beef ragu, is a modern take of traditional Italian menu

consisting of herb-crusted rice ball stuffed with minced ragu

beef and served along with grated parmesan, olive tapenade and

aioli. Then for the main menu, eggs & ricotta ravioli treats the

guest to a creamy pasta dish filled with whole egg yolk, ricotta,

pumpkin sage and pine nut sauce. Meat lovers should try Settimo

Cielo’s porchetta; a portion of slow roasted pork belly served with

salsa verde, pate cream sauce, lemon apple jam and fresh fennel

salad. The succulent combination of tender and crunchy pork

belly meeting sweet and sour flavoured sauce makes for a perfect

dinner treat. Wrap up the whole dining experience with a plate of

traditional-made tiramisu for a bittersweet mood-booster dessert.

Jl. Pangkung Sari No. 10x, Seminyak, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten BadungTel. +62 361 474 1117www.settimocielobali.com

spice

Tucked away on a tranquil side of Petitenget, Settimo Cielo offers a complete dining experience for its guests. The culinary unit of The Layar-Designer Villa and Spa offers delicate dishes as it strives to blend modern sophistication with the traditional warmth of an Italian kitchen.

Taste of Italian Heaven AT SETTIMO CIELO

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The Samaya Resort Ubud is blessed

with a location that is perfect for a na-

ture-bound holiday getaway. For culinary

lovers who enjoy dining in a naturally

peaceful environment, the resort’s Swept

Away restaurant is a recommended to-

go spot. Featuring open-air space with

an extended wooden deck right beside

Ayung River, Swept Away’s breezy am-

bience is perfect for a fine but informal

dining experience.

In terms of cuisine, Swept Away serves

array of dishes from its all-day menu that

range from appetizers to deserts with

aesthetic presentation and an emphasis

on Indonesian traditional dishes. For an

opener, Ubud Vegetable Garden obvi-

ously pays homage to the region’s fertile

vegetation. This salad is made from a

fine combination of pakis, cherry tomato,

carrot and parsley all coated with a

translucent green jelly for a refreshing

starter. Then for a more meticulous take

of Indonesian traditional dish, crispy

freshwater fish is a fine main course meal

which consists of golden fried gurame

fish served along with ‘urap’ vegetable

salad, and hot white rice.

Guests should complete a meal with a

glass of Putri Samaya; a delicate cocktail

made from fresh passion fruit, vodka,

cranberry juice and a slice of lime. This

cocktail is poetry in a glass and fits

perfectly with the venue’s picturesque

ambience.

spice

The Samaya UbudBanjar Baung, Desa Sayan, UbudTel. +62 361 973 606www.ubud.thesamayabali.com

Just a stone throw away from the legendary Ayung River, Swept Away at The Samaya Ubud provides an ideal setting in which to relax, unwind, and dine upon fine cuisine from a menu of modern and eclectic dishes with a strong focus on local produce and authentic flavours.

Peaceful Dine by The River AT SWEPT AWAY

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spice

The restaurant’s design concept reflects

the true ambience of Ubud by making

use of traditional Indonesian architec-

ture and the employment of indigenous

materials such as handcrafted ironwork,

local timbers including bamboo and an

alang-alang grass roof. Sited to take ad-

vantage of an uninterrupted lush jungle

vista the Kepitu has more than helped to

make Ubud a top destination for travel-

lers from around the world.

While Kepitu offers a full international

range of dishes, the restaurant also gives

their guests a chance to taste authentic

Indonesian and Balinese cuisine. For the

appetizer, try tuna rumput laut selada

bulung, an eclectic combination of fresh

tuna tataki with ‘bulung’ seaweed salad.

For a more delicate seafood-based meal

one can order seafood balacan for the

main course. This consists of fresh

prawn, oyster and fish fillet cooked with

a tasty chilli sauce. To finish off one

should try assorted Balinese cakes—a

setup of three Balinese ‘jaje’ sweet treats

consisting of dadar gulung (sticky rice

stuffed spring roll), piling-piling (grated

coconut-sprinkled pandan cake), and

injin (black glutinous rice porridge with

milk sauce).

Romantic Nature-Bound Dining Experience

AT KEPITU

Banjar Kepitu, Desa Kenderan, Tegalalang, UbudTel. +62 361 479 2553www.thekayonresort.com/kepitu-restaurant.htm

Perched on the side of an Ubud hill and overlooking the Petanu River and lush tropical rainforest, Kepitu restaurant is an integral part of The Kayon Ubud Resort. Here captivating lunches and evening meals are served from menus offering a wide selection of Western, Asian and signature dishes. Here diners have a 180-degree view over the resort’s pool and a majestic

jungle landscape.

TropicaLife.net96

Nestled on a quiet side of Petitenget,

Sangsaka restaurant is a quaint eatery

serving fine-dine quality food in an envi-

ronment of ‘elegant rustic meets classic

interior’. The term ‘Sang Saka’ actually

describes an aspect of the Indonesian

flag and is used to express the divinity

of its red and white colours. This reflects

Sangsak’s relationship with the already

established Merah Putih (Red and White)

Restaurant.

One of the unique factors of Sangsaka is

the listing of dishes through the menu.

The menu uses one or two word titles for

its offered dishes. These dish titles refer

to the main ingredient of the said dish.

For example, ‘udang’ as an appetizer is a

portion of freshwater crayfish with sweet

potato served along with sauce made

from prawn shells, chill and coconut oil.

Then another one is jamur—a brilliant

vegetarian meal consisting of mushroom,

hen’s egg and corn rice. The twist here

is how they prepare the corn rice so it

resembles risotto in texture and taste; a

smooth and juicy mix of soft-boiled egg

and mushrooms. For a main course, ka-

kap is a must try for seafood lovers. This

is grilled barramundi fillet, school prawn

and sauce made from Balinese traditional

‘jukut undis’. This one is just too good to

miss. A great way to end this pleasant

dining session is with a portion of Bali-

nese honey cream with, mango sorbet,

and shaved ‘mangosteen ice’ sprinkled

with crunchy palm sugar crumble.

spice

As the pretty little sister of Merah Putih Restaurant, Sangsaka offers an extensive selection of Indonesian-inspired dishes with a modern twist and artistic presentation while offering a feel-good dining ambience in this chic-yet captivating establishment.

Jl. Pangkung Sari No.100, KerobokanTel. +62 812 3695 9895

Delightful Indonesian Dinevaganza AT SANGSAKA

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spice

Set in lush tropical surrounds

just a few steps from a

pristine white sandy beach,

Ja’jan Bistro offers a one-

stop destination for culinary

enthusiasts and laid-back

sanctuary seekers to come and

enjoy a holistic gastronomic

experience. The comfy open-

air dining space is precisely

prepped to evoke a refreshing

sense of refinement for those

who come for the serious

business of sating an apatite.

Ja’jan Bistro serves a range

of delicious choices from

their meticulously prepared

menu designed to cater for all

tastes. The bistro has recently

broadened their already

established range of Asian and

European dishes. For a starter

I was encouraged to engage the

a taste explosion of beetroot &

port wine jelly, burrata cheese,

sliced green tomatoes, hazelnut

crunch and micro herbs

mixed together into a unique

appetizer set. For the main

course I chose the red snapper

fillet served with pumpkin

puree leeks and garlic black

ink mayo. The moisture and

flakiness of my fillet was just

right and combined perfectly

with a savoury puree for taste

enhancement. For the wrapper

I went for gianduja lingot

praline; a cake strip of gianduja

hazelnut chocolate served

along with chocolate praline

filled with berries compote and

rum raisin ice cream, topped

with a thin and crusty banana

wafer. This was a perfect choice

for a cold sweet lover like

myself.

Ja’jan Bistro provided me with

a splendidly rewarding dining

moment.

INAYA Putri Bali ResortKawasan Wisata Nusa Dua Lot S-3, Nusa DuaTel. +62 361 774 488www.inayahotels.com

Tucked into the lavish Inaya Putri Bali Nusa Dua Resort, Ja’jan Bistro delivers a tremendous fusion of gastronomic choice that ranges from exceptional Asian-based dishes to a very palatable European menu. Here the emphasis is splendid presentation and exquisite taste.

Splendiferous Fine DineAT JA’JAN BISTRO

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The 200 sq. metre restaurant offers a

holistic and pleasant dining venue for

everyone. A fully air-conditioned interior

boasts a classy rustic touch and the dim

lighting ensures a richly comfortable

dining experience for guests.

The menu of One Eyed Jack consists of

Japanese-inspired dishes with modern

presentations. A talented chef who

formerly headed one of the world’s best

Japanese restaurant chains ensures that

only the best quality local and imported

ingredients are included in his dishes.

For a fresh starter the cucumber suno-

mono could easily become one’s favour-

ite. This is a portion of pickled cucumber

served along with bonito rayu, sesame

and crunchy fried garlic. The mix of sour

pickle, sweet sauce and savoury garlic

make this a perfect dish to begin a stylish

feast. Follow this with spicy tuna—don’t

be fooled by the simple name, this one

is basically a plate of seafood goodness

which combines crunchy crispy rice with

melt-in-your-mouth tuna under eel sauce.

Another selection for seafood lovers is

the soft shell crab—fried to perfection

with amazu tozasu sauce and red onion.

Don’t miss this absolutely delicious treat.

To share meals are available here at this

restaurant and the array of One Eyed

Jack Yakitori is not to be missed. This is

a range of the very best of Japan’s famous

street food and a restaurant choice that

has gained an enormous reputation

throughout the culinary scene around

the world. Here the restaurant serves a

diverse selection of yakitori ranging from

pork belly and chicken breast to cherry

tomato and shiitake, all grilled to perfec-

tion and best savoured with a bottle of

fine beer.

To accompany the meal, a refreshing

drink is a must. Try jack lychee marti-

ni—a cocktail prepared from vodka, Coin-

treau, ginger liquor and lychee making

an enchanting blend to excite the palate.

Occupying a space on the side of Brawa Beach, One Eyed

Jack is a Japanese Izakaya & Sake Bar serving quality dishes from the land of the

rising sun. Here the modern presentation does not detract

from the restaurant’s spirit of authenticity.

Jl. Pantai Berawa, CangguTel. +62 819 9929 1888

Elaborate Japanese Cuisine AT ONE EYED JACK

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‘Welcome to Joglo House’ was the

welcome phrase from the friendly spa

receptionist as I stepped into the Spa’s

lobby. Joglo style is utilized as the

main building theme of the Spa and

it blends seamlessly with the elegance

of a contemporary Italian look. The

Spa menu features a complete range of

Balinese, Asian and European therapies

using natural ESPA products. An

open-air relaxation lounge in front of

the swimming pool with the expansive

stretch of the Indian Ocean is a feature

here.

The Ayurvedic influence treatment in the

menu really caught my attention and I

decided to indulge myself with a 2-hour

Ayurvedic hot stone massage and body

wrap. The semi open treatment room has

an ocean view with the rush of crashing

waves as a distant background sound.

It started with the foot cleansing ritual

followed by a sea salt and oil body

scrub to remove the dead skin. Next the

therapist generously applied energizing

body oil before starting the body

massage. During this she not only used

a combination of deep long strokes and

two thumb pressures but also applied

palm placed smooth heated stone as

the massage medium. This really did

relax and help warm my tight muscles.

The body wrap came last with the use

of a warm blend of mineral rich mud to

nourish and soften the skin.

The result was total sense of refreshment

and relaxed suppleness of skin. This was

a luxurious pampering session. I was

able to relax in the lounge area with a

complementary drink before leaving.

LUXURIOUS PAMPERING TREATMENT AT THE BVLGARI RESORT BALI

Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu, Bali Tel. +62 361 8471000www.bulgarihotels.com

Sited deftly on a high cliff top with wonderful views

overlooking the Indian Ocean at Bvlgari Resort Bali, this

cliff-top Spa is the perfect place to take in a luxurious spa

experience.

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Rediscovering senses with rejuvenating

body treatments is recommended

during a blissful holiday and So SPA

is one of the best destinations for this.

The treatment centre of luxury Sofitel

Hotels & Resorts has been built with one

purpose; that is to make the best of their

guest’s wellbeing moment.

So SPA’s menu offers range of treatments

for wellbeing and uses the best-proven

care products along with their signature

technique. A good example of this is the

Moisture Relax Body Treatment with

Peach Milk—a 1-hour massage session

using Clarins Peach Milk tonic oil and

lotion to rehydrate and freshen the skin.

The treatment begins with a footbath

session using natural sea salt crunch

to wash off bacteria from the feet. This

is followed with a ‘relaxation moment’,

which begins with the sound of a Tibetan

singing bowl resonating a melodious

hum to calm the mind. This was as my

hands and feet were rubbed with Clarins

Peach Milk Tonic for a most-soothing

sensation. The therapist then applied a

full body lotion and Clarins signature

massage technique consisting of gentle

pull and rotate movements to let the

skin absorb the full benefit of the lotion

while relaxing muscle tension and aiding

blood circulation.

REINVIGORATING JOURNEY OF WELLNESS AT SO SPANestled inside the main building of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, So SPA is a well-being haven providing unique personal experience with original music, exclusive signature treatments and custom-built massage tables modelled after Sofitel’s famous MyBed concept. So SPA is also affiliated with an international ambassador of refined expertise in beauty care.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach ResortKawasan Pariwisata BTDC, Lot N5 Nusa DuaTel. +62 361 849 2888 www.sofitel-bali-nusadua.com

unwind

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unwind

Como Shambhala Estate Ubud is the

flagship of the Como Shambhala brand

and offers complete wellbeing facilities for

those looking for the ultimate spa getaway

experience. This residential health retreat

boasts an extraordinary 23-acre location

within the tropical green of a river valley

close to a spring known as ‘The Source’

that is much revered by locals for its

healing properties.

The main purpose of Como Shambhala

Estate is to help individuals discover

their own sense of well-being through a

continuous process of healing, learning

and rebalancing. One of the recommended

treatments here is called the Como

Shambhala Signature Massage, a 60

minutes invigorating treatment for a

pleasant holistic wellness experience

using Como signature homemade lotion.

My treatment started from the lower back

as an experienced masseuse applied her

technique with precise measure as she

gradually moved to the upper part of the

body, then to the front and ultimately to

a rejuvenating head and scalp massage.

Using a long stroke massage technique,

DREAMY WELLNESS SEQUENCEAT COMO SHAMBALA ESTATE SPA

Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Kec. GianyarTel. +62 361 978 888www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate/

With its Payangan river valley location 30 minutes out of Ubud, Como Shambhala Estate is a true wellness getaway that features the most advanced equipment and a dedicated staff of experienced treatment experts. Guests here can expect a spiritual awakening from their spa experience.

this treatment rejuvenates a weary

body, relaxes stiff muscles and

stimulates blood circulation.

The experience and enjoyment is

magnified here by the use of an

extended deck putting treatment

directly if front of the mesmerizing

scenery of a misty green valley floor.

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PAMPERING ‘PERANAKAN’ WELL-BEING AT SPA VILLAGE MALACCA

Spa Village Malacca is a complimentary

addition to the Majestic Malacca.

Here guests are made welcome and

encouraged to wrap themselves in

the deep philosophy of wellness and

body care. So far this is the only spa in

the world to base its therapies on the

healing heritage of the Baba-Nyonya

or ‘Peranakan’ culture - a unique

combination of Chinese and Malay

influences.

The Spa is housed on two floors from

where guests are able to fully enjoy

the breathtaking natural beauty of its

surrounds and the delightful interior

design influences of the ‘Peranakan’

philosophy. Traditional Chinese day beds

bathed in muted sunlight form the basis

of the relaxation lounge while private

treatment rooms exude refined luxury

through fine porcelain wall tiles, ornate

silverware and intricate traditional wood

carvings.

Therapies of Spa Village Malacca are

moulded around guest’s cool or warm

energies; are based on the Peranakan

beliefs and inspired by traditional

Chinese medicines. One of the

treatments on the menu here for cool

energies is called the ‘palm sugar and

honey body scrub’ This is a warming a-la

carte body treatment using homemade

salves made from natural ingredients

that reinvigorate both body and mind.

The Majestic MalaccaNo. 188, Jl. Bunga Raya, the Majestic Malacca,

Melaka, 75100, MalaysiaTel. +60 3 2783 1000

www.majesticmalacca.com

unwind

Majestic Malacca is a sumptuous hotel featuring

imaginative in house design and the very best of facilities. This is the spa for treatments that pamper and relax guests to a state of blissful wellbeing.

Spa Village Malacca is just the right place to regain both

inner and outer balance.

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gallery

Reflection Of The Man Behind The Gear : Photography According To Sugeng DonorahmantoThird Winner of Tropical Life Online Photo Contest 2015

Between the working hours of his day job as a government worker with the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Sugeng Donorahmanto manages find opportunities to pursue his passion for photography. This Jakarta-born lad began to seriously develop his photographic talent back in 2009, when he acquired his first equipment, but his interest in the world of ‘light painting’ had laid inside his heart and mind long before.

105TropicaLife.net

As a photographer, Sugeng Donorahmanto didn’t rely on official resources to study and hone his skills, instead he looked about

and learnt from everything he came across that he could get his hand to. Anything, whether it was website material, literature or

other professional’s photographic work.

But Sugeng didn’t just stop at understanding the basic ploys of his art form. He discovered new passions through different

photography genres as his career developed. He began his career and sharpend his skills through macro photography, using

everyday objects for still life focus such as a bush in front of his house before gradually shifting to landscape photography. One

of his landscape captures won him the 3rd position of Tropical Life Photo Contest 2015. Lately, he has immersed himself into

street photography, an aspect of photography according to him that presents challenges that help to hone his skills.

For Sugeng Donorahmanto, photography is all about ‘the man behind the gear’. While equipment is important the picture

captured by a photographer must reflect to the sense and understanding of just what is being captured. It is the photographer’s

perspective on life that is the most important message in the work.

gallery

TropicaLife.net106

gallery

4TH UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL : EVOKING SENSE OF TOGETHERNESS THROUGH A QUALITY LIVE MUSIC EVENT

Back with a shout—or rather with delicate notes and composition, the 4th Ubud Village Jazz Festival will once again bring this music enthusiast’s most wanted quality event to Bali. The festival will showcase performances of world-class jazz musicians from around the globe to the delight of the festivals’ followers.

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Since the Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVIF) was first held four years ago the event has become a respected barometer for

international jazz musicians to present their talent in Bali. This year the festival is still committed to delivering this one of a kind

‘true’ jazz festival that has become a melting pot for diverse and unique groups of jazz artists.

This year, the 4th annual UVJF invites some of Indonesia’s most respected jazz musicians. These include Margie Segers, Oele

Pattiselano and Glen Dauna with his sons Rega and Indra who will perform together as The Daunas. The international line up

includes the enthralling collaboration of Reuben Rogers and Peter Bernstein, the Youn Woo Park trio from South Korea, the

LOUIS! Project from Holland, Ian Scionti Trio, who is supported by the Accion Cultural Espanola and many more. They will bring

their best to performances on three stages with distinctive local Balinese favourites Padi, Giri, and Subak. Festival guests are to be

be spoiled with a culinary experience of 26 different booth choices and a 1 hour wine free flow provided by the sponsor.

In keeping with a commitment to deliver educational messages and incentives, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival 2016 will for the

third time promote Jazz education in Indonesia through The Bali Jazz Summer School. This school will be held over 3 days before

the start of the festival and will be divided into 6 classes featuring, drums, piano, double bass, brass, reed instruments and vocals.

With the tagline ‘Embracing Uniqueness and Tolerance’, Ubud Village Jazz Festival is bound capture a spirit of enjoyment and

togetherness through this quality musical event.

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VILLA IN BERAWA, VIBR/AY/TL_BR_002

For those looking for a minimalist style villa, this is the right choice. Located only a short drive from Canggu Club and to Berawa beach, it has 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, private swimming pool, open living & dining area, kitchen, service area, and staff quarter. The villa has a rooftop with green grasses overlooking to the rice field, which is a good spot to enjoy sunset.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 450 m2Build size: 300 m2Price: Rp 7.000.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

A great choice for those looking a holiday home in Bali. Situated only 3 km from the beach, this fully furnished villa has 4 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, private swimming pool, open living & dining area, fully equipped kitchen service area, staff quarter.

4-bedroom villaLand size: 800 m2Price: Rp 5.000.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

VILLA IN BALANGAN, VIB/AY/TL_B_001

living

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living

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A very special villa that consists of 4 deluxe rooms and 1 superior room with facilities like huge swimming pool, outdoor living and dining area, kids’ pool, fully equipped kitchen, large bale bengong, a large garden as well as staff and service area. The villa still has about 500 vacant land.

5-bedroom villaLand size: 2.500 m2Build size: 600 m2Price: USD$1.500.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

VILLA IN TIBUBENENG, VIT/AY/TL_T_004

Within 10 minutes walk to Balangan Beach, this 2-store and fully furnished villa offers 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, spacious living & dining area, fully equipped kitchen, gazebo with outdoor dining table, swimming pool with pool deck, well-maintained garden, staff quarter & service area.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 835 m2Build size: 500 m2Price: USD$750.000Title: Right of Use

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

VILLA IN BALANGAN HILL, VIBH/AY/TL_BH_005

VILLA IN SANUR, VIS/AY/TL_S_003

The villa sits in 600 m2 and designed to deliver a ‘feel at home’ atmosphere. It is fully furnished and has 3 bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, swimming pool, gazebo, spacious terrace, living & dining area, kitchen, service & staff area. The villa is only 15 minutes to the beach.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 600 m2Build size: 400 m2Price: Rp 6.500.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

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A really great investment for those looking for a second home in Bali. Located close to some of the famous places like Karma Kandara, Banyan Tree Ungasan, and many more, the villa offer 3 spacious bedroom, large swimming pool, spacious garden, kitchen, service area including maidroom and bathroom and carport enough for 2 cars.

3-bedroom villaLand size: 456 m2Build area: 278 m2Price: Rp 6.500.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

VILLA IN UNGASAN, VIU/TA/TL_U_006

Looking for a second home in Bali? This one could be yours. The fully furnished villa has 5-bedroom with en-suite bathroom, 8m x 18m swimming pool, 4m x 4m small/plunge pool, fully equipped kitchen, air-conditioned entertainment room, 3 bedrooms for staff, service area, storage and garage & carport fits for 6-8 cars.

5-bedroom villaLand size: 3.750 m2Build size: 600 m2Price: Rp 25.000.000.000Title: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

VILLA IN KETEWEL, VIK/AY/TL_K_007

VILLA M IN UMALAS, VIMU/AY/TL_MU_008

It comprises of 2 units of fully furnished villa, which are located next to each other. Both villas have a single open-air living & dining area, kitchen with private pool and garden. Each villa is suitable for those looking a small holiday villa.

2-unit villa: 3-bedroom & 2-bedroomLand size: 350 m2 & 275 m2Build size: 210 m2 & 180 m2Price: Rp 5.500.000.000 for 3-bedroom & Rp 4.500.000.000 for 2-bedroomTitle: Freehold

For more info, contact Tropical AgentTel. +62 81339840502

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hotel listing

Nestled in front of the gorgeous Mangsit Beach, Qunci Villas is the ideal place for those looking for a serene and picturesque getaway in the comfort of modern and plush services. It offers 78 rooms, Qamboja Spa, restaurants and two 30-meter and a 15-meter infinity edge pools overlooking the Bali straits.

Jl. Raya Mangsit, Sengigi,

Lombok, Indonesia

Tel. +62 370 693 800

www.quncivillas.com

QUNCI VILLAS LOMBOK

Located not far from the pristine Jimbaran Bay, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is one of the most stylish luxury hotel in Bali. There are total of 117 spacious guest room owned by the hotel, as well as other exclusive facility such as Bamboo Chic Restaurant, Serenity treatment center and the wonderful Smoqee bar & sky lounge.

Jl. Bukit Permai, JimbaranBali, IndonesiaTel.+62 361 846 6888

LE MERIDIEN BALI JIMBARAN

It is a 5-star hotel strategically located in the premier resort of Nusa Dua area. Comprehend of 96 plush rooms and suites, the five-star hotel is connected to Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), a world-class venue for MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Conference & Exhibition), which has proudly hosted numerous international conferences.

Kawasan Pariwisata ITDC Block NW/1, Nusa DuaTel. +62 361 8498833www.balinusaduahotel.com

BALI NUSA DUA HOTEL & CONVENTION

Intimately welcomes you to the heart of Kuta, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort is a five-star accommodation offering quality service, comfortable resting space and easy access to entertainment spot around Kuta area. The hotel boasts a total of 203 rooms and suites for their beloved guest, as well as other facilities such as the famous Feast and Bene restaurant.

Jl. Pantai Kuta, KutaBali, IndonesiaTel. +62 361 846 5555

SHERATON BALI KUTA RESORT

A serene sanctuary under the shades of palm tree, Padma Resort Bali at Legian is one fine alternative for travelers seeking ultimate comfort in tropical ambience. With traditional Balinese architecture design, lavish interior and wide selection of rooms, it is set to bring the best of your stay during vacation.

Jl. Padma No.1 LegianBali, IndonesiaTel. +62 361 752 111

PADMA RESORT BALI AT LEGIAN

Maca Villas & Spa Bali offers twenty-five 1 and 2 bedroom pool villas that are intimately designed for total privacy and capture the true essence of a Bali Holiday. The villas feature an open-air reception-lounge in a modern twist on traditional Balinese design, round-the-clock guest concierge and villa butler service.

Jl. Lebak Sari No.7, Petitenget, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia | Tel. +62 361 739090www.macavillas.com

MACA VILLAS

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hotel listing

Situated in The UNESCO World Heritage city of Malacca, The Majestic Malacca houses the Mansion and an adjacent new wing of 54 lavishly appointed guest rooms that include 43 deluxe king rooms, 9 deluxe twin rooms and 2 suites. The hotel features the famous Spa Village Malacca.

188 Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Melaka, MalaysiaTel. +60 6 289 8000www.majesticmalacca.com

THE MAJESTIC MALACCA

Located in Georgetown, G Hotel Kelawai is one of the best hotels in Penang offering 208 stylishly appointed rooms and houses the only rooftop bar with 360-degree view of the island. The hotel is within walking distance to Gurney Drive and close to Gurney Plaza.

2 Persiaran Maktab, 10250, Penang, MalaysiaTel.+60 4 219 0000www.ghotel.com.my

G HOTEL KELAWAI

A heritage Hotel in the centre of Surabaya city, Hotel Majapahit is a luxurious historical hotel featuring graceful colonial-style architecture and beautiful gardens. The hotel provides 143 rooms, prestigious dining facilities, a spa, a health club and an outdoor pool. Jl. Tunjungan no.65, Surabaya, IndonesiaTel. +62 31 5454 333www.hotel-majapahit.com

Situated in the heart of Yogyakarta, The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta is the second of the MGallery collection selected in Asia due to its history and splendid decor. The hotel boasts 143 exquisite rooms, the famous Paprika Restaurant, The 1918’s Terrace Bar and MySpa. Jl. Jenderal Sudirman no. 9Yogyakarta, IndonesiaTel. +62 274 566617www.thephoenixyogya.com

HOTEL MAJAPAHIT

Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur offers 571 well-appointed rooms and suites, restaurants, 24-hour business services and health club, and an award-winning rooftop bar-SkyBar. The hotel is within walking distance to the KLCC Park, Suria KLCC and 10 minutes walk to Bukit Bintang.

Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTel. +60 3 2332 98888www.tradershotels.com

TRADERS HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR BY SHANGRI-LA

THE PHOENIX HOTEL YOGYAKARTA

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok is an iconic address in the heart of Sukhumvit Road. The renowned hotel is ideally connected with a pedestrian sky bridge linking to the SkyTrain at BTS Asok station, the subway at MRT Sukhumvit station, Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and more. Hotel discerning travelers can easily discover the allure of this captivating city, its palatial shopping malls, historic temples and all that the city has to offer.

Rama 1 Road 991/9, 10330 Bangkok, Thailand Tel. + 662 649 8888sheratongrandesukhumvit.com

SHERATON GRANDE SUKHUMVIT

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IN ROOM

Ayana Resort & Spa BaliJl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & ConventionsITDC Block NW/1

C151 Seminyak Jl. Kayu Aya No.151

C151 Dreamland Jl. Labuhan Sait

Golden Tulip Jineng Resort BaliJl. Sunset Road, Kuta

Komaneka at Bisma Jl. Bisma, Ubud

Komaneka at Tanggayuda Br. Tanggayuda, Ubud

Komaneka at Monkey Forest Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud

Komaneka at Rasa Sayang Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud

Le MeridienJl. Bukit Permai, Jimbaran

Padma Resort UbudBanjar Carik, Desa Puhu, Payangan

Padma Resort LegianJl. Padma No. 1

Rimba Jimbaran BaliJl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

Royal SantrianJl. Pratama, Nusa Dua

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach ResortBTDC Complex lot N5

Sheraton Bali Kuta ResortJl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta

The Royal PurnamaJl. Pantai Purnama

BALI

AhimsaJl. Kunti

Alilla Villas UbudMelinggih Kelod, Payangan

Alila Villas UluwatuJl. Belimbing Sari, Desa Pecatu

Alaya Ubud Jl. Raya Pengosekan

ARCSunset road

Amandari Jl. Raya Sayan

AmanusaNusa Dua

Ayodya Resort BaliBTDC

AYANA Resort & Spa BaliJl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

Bali DeliJl. Kunti

Bali Paragon Resort HotelJln. Kampus Udayana Jimbaran – Bali

Blue OceanDouble Six

BlueWater ExpressSerangan

Bridges Jl. Raya Campuhan Bisma EightJl. Bisma, Ubud

Bvlgary Resort BaliJl. Goa Lempeh

Café DeganJl. Petitenget

Café Batu JimbarJl. Danau Tamblingan

Café MokaJl. Raya Seminyak

ChandiJl. Laksmana

Chapung Sebali Resort & SpaJalan Raya Sebali, Keliki, Ubud

Club Bali MirageJl. Pratama

ConradJl. Pratama

Dejavu KitchenJl. Arjuna

Discovery Kartika PlazaJl. Kartika Plaza

Dulang Café and BakeryKuta Square

Downtown VillaJl. Raya Seminyak

Faces at The Bale Nusa Dua Chez Gado GadoJl. Dhyana Pura

Golden Tulip Bay View Hotel & ConventionJln. Raya Uluwatu

Grand Hyatt BaliBTDC

Grocer & GrindJl. LaksmanaJl. Kayu Jati 3x, SeminyakJl, Uluwatu (Jimbaran Corner)

Griya SantrianJl. Danau Tamblingan

H Sovereign BaliJl. Raya Tuban

Hard Rock HotelJl. Pantai Kuta

Hard Rock Café BaliJl. Pantai Kuta

Hotel NiksomaJl. Padma II

InterContinental JimbaranJl. Karang Mas Sejahtera

Intercontinental Bali ResortJln. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran

International SOSJl. By Pass

Jenggala KeramikJl. Uluwatu

Jemme RestaurantJl. Petitenget  

Jungle FishUbud

JunctionJl. Laksmana

Karma KandaraJl. Karma Kandara

Kopi Bali HouseJl. By Pass Sanur

KudetaJl. Laksmana

Kuta Paradiso HotelJl. Kartika Plaza

Kupu-Kupu Jimbaran SuiteJimbaran

L’assiette Jl. Mertanadi LV 8 Resorts Jl. Discovery, Canggu

Le Bon Vivant, Sanur Jl. Danau Tamblingan

Made’s WarungJl. Pantai KutaJl. Raya Seminyak

Mamasan RestaurantJl. Raya Kerobokan

Mantra Sakala Resort and Beach ClubJalan Pratama No. 95, Tanjung Benoa

Massimo RestaurantJl. Danau Tamblingan

Maya Ubud Resort & SpaJl. Gunung Sari Peliatan

Melia BenoaJl. Pratama Mercure Bali LegianJalan Legian

MetisJl. Petitenget No. 6

Merah Putih RestaurantJl. Petitenget 

MezzanineJl. Danau Tamblingan

MozaicJl. Raya Sanggingan

New Kuta GolfPecatu

Grand Nikko BaliJl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan

Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & ResidencesJalan Pantai Mengiat PanonpoeJl. Laksmana

Pandawa Beach Villas And SpaJl. Pantai Gumicik

Peninsula ResortJl. Pratama

Peppers SeminyakJl. Pura Telaga Waja Petitenget

Piment RougeJl. Serangan, Kerobokan

Prana SpaJl. Kunti

Puri Santrian ResortJl. Danau Tamblingan

SectorJl. Pantai Shindu

SardineJl. Petitenget

Radisson Bintang BaliJl. Kartika Plaza

Radisson Beach ResortJl. Pratama RumoursJl. Laksmana

The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & SpaKawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot N2

Sangsaka RestaurantJl. Pangkung Sari No.100

SenS Hotel  Jl. Sukma Banjar, UbudSienna VillasJl. Raya Seminyak Gg. Keraton 5

Sushi TeiJl. Sunset Road

TG LoungeInternational Airport Ngurah Rai

TG LoungeDomestic Terminal at Ngurah Rai Airport

The BistrotJl. Kayu Aya

DijonSetia Budi

The Corner StoreJl. Laksmana

The OberoiJl. Laksmana

The VillageJl. Danau Tamblingan

The VillasJl. Kunti

UltimoJl. Laksmana

Villa DedaunJl. Legian

Vila JeramiJl. Kunti

Villa JodiJl. Laksmana

Villa LumbungJl. Petitenget

The Legian Jl. Kayu Aya, Seminyak

The Bay Bali Jl. Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan

‘The Sintesa’ JimbaranJalan Kencana

The St. Regis Bali ResortJl. Pratama, Tanjung Benoa

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, BaliBTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua

Ritz Carlton BaliJl. Nusa Dua Selatan

Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton ReserveUbudJalan Kedewatan, Kedewatan

Sanak RetreatBuleleng

Teatro GastrotequeJl. Kayu Aya, Kuta, Badung, 

Uma by COMOJl. Raya Sanggingan, Ubud

VIN+ Seminyak BaliJalan Kayu Jati

W Retreat & Spa BaliJl. Petitenget

Wapa di UmeJl. Suwerta, Ubud

LOMBOK

The Oberoi, Lombok

The Santosa Villas & Resort

Qunci Villas

The Chandi Boutique Resort & Spa

Hotel Novotel

Ombak Sunset

Jambuluwuk Oceano Resort Gili trawangan

JAKARTA

Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta

Shangri-la Hotel

Hotel Borobudur Jakarta

Hotel Pullman Thamrin

Hotel PullmanCentral Park

VIN+ Kemang

VIN+ Central Park

VIN+ PIM

VIN+ ArcadiaPlaza Senayan

SURABAYA

Kawi Lounge Sheraton Hotel

Miracle AestheticClinic

Lobby Lounge JW Marriot

SomersetThe Platinum GrillGraha Famili Golf

The Taman DayuGolf Club

Vis A Fis JWMarriot

YOGYAKARTA

Grand Aston Yogyakarta Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta

HYATT Regency Yogyakarta

Jambuluwuk Malioboro Boutique Hotel Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta

Melia Purosari

eastparc Hotel Yogyakarta

SOLO

Alila Solo

The Royal Surakarta Heritage Solo

The Sunan Hotel Solo

SINGAPORE

Hotlel Jen Tanglin Singapore

The Club Singapore

Hotel Ibis Singapore onBencoolen

The ConnoisseurEmporium

The Queen &Mangosteen

Holiday Inn Express Singapore

Intercontinental Singapore

Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel

The Scarlet Hotel

Park Royal Plaza

KUALA LUMPUR MALAYSIA

Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Novotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur

Pacific Regency Hotel Suites

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur

Best Western Premier Dua Sentral

Park Royal Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur

The Majestic Kuala Lumpur

Novotel City Centre Kuala Lumpur

Enak KL

Shook @ Starhiil Gallery

Starhill Tea Salon

Twenty one Kichen + Bar

Prince Hotel KL

Avani Gold Coast Sepang Resort

BANGKOK - THAILAND

Sheraton GrandeSukhumvitBangkok

Chakrabongse Villas

Mercure SiamBangkok

PICK UP POINT

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